Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Defeat by Greece: Stephen Kenny’s Reaction
The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 took a hit after a disappointing defeat to Greece in their second qualifying match. Manager Stephen Kenny accepted criticism for his side’s performance and spoke to RTE about the result. This article will look at Kenny’s reaction to the defeat, the game itself, and the Republic’s chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.
Stephen Kenny’s Reaction to Defeat
Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny accepted criticism for his side’s performance in the Euro 2024 qualifying defeat by Greece. Speaking to RTE, a dejected-looking Kenny admitted they were beaten by the better side. “Criticism is part of it and I have to accept it,” he said.
The Game Itself
Greece, managed by former Brighton and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, took the lead through Anastasios Bakasetas’ 15th-minute penalty, only for Nathan Collins to level for the Republic. But the hosts capitalised on slack Irish defending to score the winner four minutes after the restart through Giorgos Masouras – much to Kenny’s chagrin. “We wanted it to be better than it was,” he added. “At the same time, we were tight in the game at the end and had chances to equalise. We never gave up and kept going but they had more control than us on the night, for sure.”
Midfielder Josh Cullen admitted the Republic were not good enough “in the key moments”. “We’re hurting,” he told RTE. “A tough night where we have shot ourselves in the foot, we know that as a group. Everyone is gutted in there at the minute.”It wasn’t good enough in the key moments tonight. That is what made us lose the game.”
Republic of Ireland’s Chances of Qualifying for Euro 2024
Already six points adrift of second place in Group B, the Republic still face a trip to France and home and away matches against the Netherlands. They also began 2022 World Cup qualifying with back-to-back defeats and Kenny admits it will be difficult for his side to reach next summer’s European Championship finals in Germany. “We’ve made it hard for ourselves but all we can do it get ready for Monday [against Gibraltar],” he added. “We have to focus and get back to winning ways.”
On regrouping for Monday’s game with Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium, midfielder Josh Cullen said: “It is going to be hard, but that is where we need to pick it up as a group. We have got to stick together. It is going to hurt tonight and tomorrow but we have got to use that to fuel ourselves for Monday.”
Conclusion
The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 took a hit after a disappointing defeat to Greece in their second qualifying match. Manager Stephen Kenny accepted criticism for his side’s performance and spoke to RTE about the result. The Republic are already six points adrift of second place in Group B and face an uphill battle to reach next summer’s European Championship finals in Germany. The Republic must regroup and focus on getting back to winning ways if they are to have any chance of qualifying for Euro 2024.