Staunton says Cyprus defeat is embarrassing
Ireland's Euro 2008 qualification hopes are already in tatters, after losing 5-2 away to Cyprus.
Even though only two group games have been played, it now seems Ireland highly unlikely will qualify for the tournament.
The defeat was Ireland’s worst for 35 years. Adding misery to the humiliating scoreline,
Cyprus is ranked 60 places behind Ireland in the FIFA world rankings.
Next up on Wednesday for the Irish are the Czech Republic, who hammered San Marino 7-0 last night.
Richard Dunne’s dismissal means the team’s already fragile defence, already coping with the huge loss of Shay Given, will become even weaker.
Irish boss Stephen Staunton admits last night's result was a disaster.
“I think the lads in there are embarrassed,” he admitted.
“We're not hiding the fact. We know we should have been coming in here and winning the game but we didn't. I don't know if the goal affected us.
"We started the game well and with the goal we maybe thought it was going to be a bit too easy.”
