Heimir Hallgrimsson has warned the Republic of Ireland they have to stop presenting gifts to their opponents if they are to qualify for major tournaments once again.
Three days after Nathan Collins’ error had handed Finland a lead in Helsinki, keeper Caoimhin Kelleher blundered in Athens to allow Greece to ease to a 2-0 Nations League B2 victory.
Ireland had rallied at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium after Tasos Bakasetas’ opener, but Hallgrimsson’s men were threatening to snatch a point when misfortune struck.
After a string of fine saves, Caoimhín Kelleher is tonight''s Sky Player of the Match 👏
🇬🇷🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/uUdB1rLnyP
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 13, 2024
The head coach said: “It was like a little bit of pressure was off, maybe comparing that to the Finland game as well, so it looked like when we have nothing to lose, we start to play like we should.
“And then again Christmas in October again for us. We’re giving too many gifts to the opponent.”
Kelleher had at times represented a one-man barrier to Greek ambition, saving from Giorgos Masouras, Bakasetas and Dimitris Giannoulis amid a first-half onslaught to keep his side in it.
He was eventually beaten when Bakasetas’ 48th-minute shot took a significant deflection off Liam Scales and evaded him, but he had to hold his hands up for the second goal, which arrived in stoppage time.
With the ball at his feet as he looked to spark a late Ireland attack, Kelleher instead presented it to delighted substitute Petros Mantalos, who promptly rounded him and fired into the empty net.
Hallgrimsson said: “I have a goalkeeper coach who always says the same thing: football is a team sport until a goalkeeper makes a mistake, then it’s no longer a team sport.
“It is what it is. You never know but we were really in the game, we were getting the ball in dangerous positions at this moment.
“But winning or losing was not there, it was because we started too late, I think, to believe in ourselves.”
Ireland welcome Finland to Dublin next month before a date with England at Wembley and Hallgrimsson, who is now four games and three defeats into his reign, is nevertheless confident progress is being made.
He said: “I have no delusions, this is always about results. This is a results business, the national team, so we always like to have points and we always like to win.
“But now I’ve been two weeks with these guys and I think what has happened in these two weeks has been really positive.”
For opposite number Ivan Jovanovic, there was immense pride with how his players handled the emotion surrounding the death of former team-mate George Baldock and also their 2-1 win over England at Wembley.
2-0, ο επίλογος της νίκης με το γκολ του Πέτρου Μάνταλου 🙌 #GREIRL #ForYouGeorge 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/45onn3UDkt
— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) October 13, 2024
Jovanovic said: “In order for the win against England to have some sort of value, we had to win today.
“Today was difficult, not so much tactically or anything like that, but mainly emotionally with the emptiness the players mentally and physically were feeling.
“Not only that, but with the result that came, the added pressure of being in front of a full stadium of your own fans with the expectations that they also have.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. UCL situation now Manchester City's defense (22th) PSG 4-2 Man City (25th) El Cashico tonight PSG COME BACK TO SNATCH THREE VITAL POINTS VS. MAN CITY "Be careful, he is a hero" 53'—PSG 0-2 Man City FT—PSG 4-2 Man City Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, Bleacher...
The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new frontman, either this winter or in the off-season.They may be able to secure the Nigerian's signature through another transfer deal.Per Sky Sports, United's Alejandro Garnacho has reached an agreement to join Napoli.He wants to sign for the Italian club this winter, and the deal may yet include an Osimhen discount.According to Il Mattino, Napoli want to ...
Arsenal interested in Newcastle star Gordon in potential winter moveThe winger was wanted by Liverpool in the summer and pursued the move himself.However, the Magpies held firm and decided that he was not for sale at any price.Per The Athletic, Arsenal are merely keeping themselves informed about Gordon's situation.If Newcastle have any PSR issues in the future, they may pounce with a big offer.Bu...
Marcus Rashford's representatives have held face-to-face talks with Barcelona about the possibility of a move before the transfer deadline, sources have told ESPN.Rashford is available this month after being frozen out at Old Trafford by head coach Ruben Amorim.Sources said that United are willing to listen to loan offers, although they will demand that any interested club must pay at least a port...
But the Red Devils will need to flog at least one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo to fund a striker swoop this month.Selling any of these three homegrown products would hugely benefit United from a PSR perspective.Rashford's £315,000 a week salary makes a move challenging, although he has received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.Chelsea and Napoli are kee...
Kolo Muani set to complete Juventus loanRandal Kolo Muani is reportedly set to complete a Juventus loan move after Paris Saint-Germain parted ways with Juan Bernat.Postecoglou admits Spurs may end transfer window without further additionsTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged the possibility that the club may not bring in any new players before the transfer window closes. Speaking ahe...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 6 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 7 Man Utd 'consider Jack Grealish transfer'
- 8 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 9 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband
- 10 City, Frankfurt reach deal for Marmoush