Martin O’Neill was happy with the win, but prickly, in his post-game interview with RTE on Sunday night.
The Republic of Ireland manager had just seen his side survive a scare in the World Cup qualifier against Moldova, the minnows of Group D.
Shane Long gave Ireland an early lead, thanks to a beautiful pass from Wes Hoolahan, before the Irish central defence had a collective brain fart and Moldova equalised through Igor Bugayev just before half-time.
Two James McClean goals in the final 20 minutes gave Ireland a 3-1 win, and the team are now in second-place in the group with seven points, behind Serbia on goal difference.
Who was your man of the match? https://t.co/ajjo86yGt6
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 9, 2016
Following the game, O’Neill didn’t spare the feelings of Shane Duffy, who was most at fault for Moldova’s equaliser. The Ireland manager said the goal was “a bit of a dunderhead moment.”
RTE reporter Tony O’Donoghue put it to O’Neill that Ireland have a tendency to concede goals after taking the lead, a fair point as the team conceded goals against Sweden, France and Serbia in recent months after scoring first.
However, O’Neill took issue with O’Donoghue’s point.
“I’m not so sure that that is absolutely true,” the former Celtic manager said.
“You’re talking the game against France. We got in front against Italy and stayed on, we got in front against Georgia and stayed on. So I’m not sure that’s true. Serbia? Away from home, who just beat Austria? Hmmm, not bad.
“You know what we did do that you actually keep forgetting? We fought back in that game when all seemed lost.”
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill gave his reaction to the 3-1 win over Moldova to @corktod. Watch it here https://t.co/KZkr3bWrol
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2016
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