Steve Staunton admits Ireland face an uphill battle after drawing 0-0 with group leaders Germany
Staunton: We deserved a goal
Ireland boss Steve Staunton feels his side were unlucky as Germany held them to a 0-0 draw at Croke Park.
The away side secured qualification but the point has left the Irish contingent needing big results in their last two remaining Euro 2008 fixtures.
In a game with few clear-cut chances, the home side battled until the final whistle and Staunton said: "We were just unlucky we didn't score that goal."
Meanwhile new Germany coach Joachim Low is thrilled with his team's professional approach, who got the one point they from their four remaining fixtures to qualify into the next stages.
Delighted
"We're all delighted. We've completed the circle now. We beat Ireland in the first qualification match a year ago and now we've qualified for the Euro finals. Hats off to the team," Low told Germany's
ARD television station.
"We've played well so far in qualifying but I don't think we're still among the very best in Europe. We've got to work hard to reach our goals at Euro 2008," he added.
The draw keeps Germany at the top of Group D with 23 points and a game in hand.
Ireland need a win against Cyprus on Wednesday to stand a chance of qualifying.
