Republic of Ireland's Martin O'Neill rues France 'preparation advantage'
Monday 27 June 2016 09:57, UK
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill said his side got the "short straw" in terms of preparation time after they were beaten 2-1 by France in the last 16 of Euro 2016 on Sunday.
The hosts had a week's rest after a goalless draw with Switzerland in their final group match, while Ireland had three days less to recover after beating Italy.
Even though Robbie Brady gave Ireland an early lead with a penalty, France replied twice through Antoine Griezmann to reach the quarter-finals.
"Three days is an incredible amount of time one side could have as an advantage over another," said O'Neill.
"I know we knew that before but we definitely got the short straw in that aspect. That said, France are a really, really fine team and good luck to them in the tournament."
The Irish squandered their early lead in the space of only four second-half minutes when Griezmann struck twice to send the French towards a quarter-final against the winner of Monday's game between England and Iceland.
"If we had been able to hold on for another six or seven minutes, we could have perhaps used that to our advantage with France maybe getting a little bit panicky," O'Neill told a news conference.
"I know that's a long time in a game but I'm disappointed considering the position we got ourselves into during the course of the match.
He added: "The players could not have put anything more into the game. They have not an ounce left and I am very proud of them."
O'Neill paid tribute to the Irish fans who treated the players to a 10-minute standing ovation after the final whistle.
"The feeling among the players is that it's been a splendid tournament because the fans have been wonderful in the four games that we've had," he said.
"They gave the players extra energy if there is such a thing. I could not be more proud of the fans. They have behaved themselves brilliantly and have been a credit to their country."
