Kazakhstan 1 Ireland 2: I’m not happy, says Giovanni Trapattoni
Kazakhstan 1 Ireland 2: Giovanni Trapattoni insists he is not happy with his side's performance despite sealing three points
Giovanni Trapattoni admitted he was not happy with the Republic of Ireland’s performance despite rescuing three points against Kazakhstan in their opening 2014 World Cup qualifier.
The visitors fell behind in the first half when Kairat Nurdauletov’s header beat Kieren Westwood in Ireland’s goal.
Trapattoni’s side looked to be heading towards an embarrassing defeat until the 89th minute, when Robbie Keane scored his 54th goal for Ireland from the penalty spot to restore parity.
And the Irish completed a sensational comeback when substitute Kevin Doyle volleyed past the Kazakhstan goalkeeper to give the Men in Green a fortuitous victory.
“I’m not happy. Today was an away game, our first game in qualifying. Now in this moment the result is most important thing,” said Trapattoni.
“I think this team can be again well [play better] and changes worked during the match.”
Doyle admitted Ireland were very poor against Kazakhstan, while the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker dismissed any suggestion he was unhappy at starting from the bench.
“We struggled all night, we should be playing better than that. At least we got the win,” Doyle said.
“At half-time, the manager’s instruction was to get higher up the pitch as we had been too deep.”
The 28-year-old added: “I’m delighted to get the winner.
“I’m not unhappy to be left out. Wolves got relegated last year and I can’t be picked out ahead of players in the Premier League.”
Ireland will face Germany in their next World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium on 12 October.
