Post by Taxigirl on Apr 1, 2004 10:29:38 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/republic_of_ireland/3588167.stm
Damien Duff called the Republic of Ireland's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road their "best performance in a while".
"We're always capable of winning at Lansdowne Road and we were up for it tonight," said the Chelsea winger.
"It would have been disappointing if they had nicked a draw but Robbie's goal at the end made sure they didn't.
"We struggled a bit towards the end of the Euro 2004 campaign - I don't know why, maybe it was pressure.
"But now we can't wait for the World Cup qualifiers to start."
Tottenham striker Keane added: "I'm delighted to score - but the most important thing is the result.
"We want to get a few good results before the qualifiers start.
"The Czech Republic are a great side and fair play to our lads for working their socks off and getting the result."
Keane hailed substitute Alan Lee for setting up the chance for him at the end.
The scorer added: "Alan is a big lad and they couldn't cope with him sometimes - he did well to get the ball over."
Republic manager Brian Kerr felt that his side had deserved to win.
"There were no points at stake but it was a very good performance," said Kerr.
"The back four were solid and we looked dangerous in attack.
"I was pleased for Ian Harte who scored a great goal. We were actually working on some set pieces this morning and it was a terrific free-kick.
"We are going through a phase of redevelopment and building a team for the stiff challenges ahead. This was a good test for the players."
Damien Duff called the Republic of Ireland's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road their "best performance in a while".
"We're always capable of winning at Lansdowne Road and we were up for it tonight," said the Chelsea winger.
"It would have been disappointing if they had nicked a draw but Robbie's goal at the end made sure they didn't.
"We struggled a bit towards the end of the Euro 2004 campaign - I don't know why, maybe it was pressure.
"But now we can't wait for the World Cup qualifiers to start."
Tottenham striker Keane added: "I'm delighted to score - but the most important thing is the result.
"We want to get a few good results before the qualifiers start.
"The Czech Republic are a great side and fair play to our lads for working their socks off and getting the result."
Keane hailed substitute Alan Lee for setting up the chance for him at the end.
The scorer added: "Alan is a big lad and they couldn't cope with him sometimes - he did well to get the ball over."
Republic manager Brian Kerr felt that his side had deserved to win.
"There were no points at stake but it was a very good performance," said Kerr.
"The back four were solid and we looked dangerous in attack.
"I was pleased for Ian Harte who scored a great goal. We were actually working on some set pieces this morning and it was a terrific free-kick.
"We are going through a phase of redevelopment and building a team for the stiff challenges ahead. This was a good test for the players."