Cheer up Jogi.
Joachim Low was understandably unhappy following tonight’s loss to Ireland, (there’s a sentence I never thought I’d write).
The Germany manager reserved most of the criticism for his own players, decrying his forwards for squandering a number of chances, but also took a bit of a cheeky dig at Ireland’s tactics.
“We knew Ireland would be defending with nine and sometimes 10 men,” the World Cup winning coach said. “We knew they’d get men behind the ball and try long hopeful balls up-front.”
“We avoided 99 of those long balls, but the 100th was one too many.”
Martin O’Neill, who came into the press room after his German counterpart, didn’t seem too fussed about Low’s comments, saying: “I’m not even sure we kicked it 100 times long. He’s just gone out, he’s congratulated me and whatever he said in here, he’s been totally different out there before.”
“He’s won the World Cup, he’s entitled to a fairly decent opinion. And we were brilliant.”
Exactly, we know you’re upset, Jogi, so we’ll let this one slide.
Particularly as it was more the special finish from Shane Long, rather than the 100th long ball, that saw your side lose, but it’s fine.
And Darren Randolph’s assist was more of a long pass, than a long, aimless kick, but again, don’t worry about it.
You can’t win ’em all.
See you in France next summer. Hopefully.
