World Cup qual - Trap: Hard work not done yet

Eurosport - Sun, 07 Jun 18:34:00 2009

Giovanni Trapattoni was keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite seeing his Republic of Ireland side take a significant step towards World Cup qualification in Bulgaria.

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A 1-1 draw at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia kept the Irish five points clear of their hosts in Group Eight with world champions Italy only a point better off.

Trapattoni said: "We have a little advantage, but only a little advantage. I do not talk about percentages. I know that wood is wood and the ground is the ground."

He added: "I always thought that this was going to be a more difficult game for us than Italy away because Bulgaria are a very dangerous team.

"They showed that when we conceded the goal so soon after scoring and I was a bit afraid we would lose the game. But I am happy now with the good result. We have a long way to go yet before we can talk about South Africa.

"I have always said that it will be a long qualifying campaign, but I am happy with this result."

Ireland got off to a flying start when central defender Richard Dunne, who only played in the game after having a pain-killing injection in his knee, headed them into a 24th-minute lead.

However, the Bulgarians were back on level terms within five minutes when midfielder Dimitar Tekiyski took full advantage of a slip by Kevin Kilbane to level.

From then on, the visitors were forced to weather a storm, but with keeper Shay Given having few saves of any note to make, they toughed it out to extend their unbeaten run in competitive games under Trapattoni to seven.

PA Sport / Eurosport

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  1. shut up idiots

    From barnes.john23, on Sun 7 Jun 4:46PM

  2. Richard Dunne is a Legend

    From bygodjmc, on Sun 7 Jun 4:13PM

  3. Does it really matter Mark S who is in charge, be he­ either English, Irish, Italian, or any other­ nationality so long as he is getting the job done. If­ England, Ireland or whoever can benifit from a foriegn­ manager then so be it. It seems as if both England and­ Ireland are doing alright so far, so why knock it. If­ both teams qualify to go to South Africa then the­ managers have done a good job, haven't they?

    From Lizzy Ingram, on Sun 7 Jun 4:10PM

  4. Bring us to South Africa, Trappa! :)

    From Creaven91, on Sun 7 Jun 3:22PM

  5. Trappa will be the man who takes us to South Africa. It­ will take a big slip up for us not to qualify now. COME­ ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN!!!!!

    From Brian, on Sun 7 Jun 3:19PM

  6. The Irish are doing well but like England they are only­ doing so beacuse and Italian is in charge!!!!

    From Mark S, on Sun 7 Jun 3:16PM

  7. I really wanna see Ireland in South Africa next­ year..last match was good for them..hope they can get­ full three points on the next matches..I'm sure­ that Trapattoni's boys will doing well..Good luck!

    From ele', on Sun 7 Jun 3:11PM

  8. really good to see Ireland doing do well and finally a­ consistent manager ..

    From cochino, on Sun 7 Jun 2:44PM

  9. Congratulations.

    From The Northerner, on Sun 7 Jun 1:56PM
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