Post by Taxigirl on Apr 1, 2004 10:37:19 GMT
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,7-1129865,00.html
Ireland manager Brian Kerr felt his side merited their 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road.
Robbie Keane scored an injury-time winner as Kerr extended his record in charge to just one defeat in 13 games.
And the Ireland boss explained: "It was a very good performance - we played some smashing stuff in the first half.
"The second half was a bit more difficult - a bit more open. Both teams had chances but I thought overall we just about deserved it.
"We are going through a phase of redevelopment and will be ready for the very stiff challenges that will be ahead.
"We wanted good opposition to test the players - we're moving on to a new stage. I'm giving players the opportunity to get experience and I'm sticking with some of the more experienced ones and trying to get results. I'm delighted for everyone we won."
In-form winger Damien Duff added: "We're always capable of winning at Lansdowne Road and we were up for it tonight.
"It would have been disappointing if they had nicked a draw but Robbie's goal at the end made sure they didn't."
He told Sky Sports: "I think it's the best we've played for a while. We struggled a bit towards the end of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign - I don't know why, maybe it was pressure. But now we can't wait for the World Cup qualifiers to start."
Ireland manager Brian Kerr felt his side merited their 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road.
Robbie Keane scored an injury-time winner as Kerr extended his record in charge to just one defeat in 13 games.
And the Ireland boss explained: "It was a very good performance - we played some smashing stuff in the first half.
"The second half was a bit more difficult - a bit more open. Both teams had chances but I thought overall we just about deserved it.
"We are going through a phase of redevelopment and will be ready for the very stiff challenges that will be ahead.
"We wanted good opposition to test the players - we're moving on to a new stage. I'm giving players the opportunity to get experience and I'm sticking with some of the more experienced ones and trying to get results. I'm delighted for everyone we won."
In-form winger Damien Duff added: "We're always capable of winning at Lansdowne Road and we were up for it tonight.
"It would have been disappointing if they had nicked a draw but Robbie's goal at the end made sure they didn't."
He told Sky Sports: "I think it's the best we've played for a while. We struggled a bit towards the end of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign - I don't know why, maybe it was pressure. But now we can't wait for the World Cup qualifiers to start."