Trap: Other teams will struggle here
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni watched his side scrap their way to a World Cup qualifying goalless draw in Montenegro – and then challenged their Group 8 rivals to do any better.
Ireland needed a heroic performance from goalkeeper Shay Given at the Podgorica City Stadium to claim a point against side packed with flair players.
They too had their chances, and a penalty shout which should really have been answered in the affirmative.
Trapattoni, who is now unbeaten in five games as manager, was satisfied with both the performance and the result, and insisted even world champions Italy would not find life easy in Montenegro.
He said: “I would like to see the other teams in the group come here to Montenegro and win with those fans and that atmosphere.
“It is very difficult to qualify and the other teams will not find it easy here.”
The Italians, who are overwhelming favourites to win the group, do not head for Podgorica until the end of March next year, but entertain Zoran Filpovic’s men next month when the Republic face Cyprus in Dublin.
However, having seen what Montenegro can do at first hand, Trapattoni is even more convinced the group will be hard-fought throughout.
“Zoran Filipovic is a friend and he has experience. He has good players and a good team,” said the Ireland manager.
“The coach of the national team in Italy or England have most of their players playing in their own country; but it is not like that for countries like Ireland and Montenegro.
“That is not an excuse for coaches, but it is true. This time, we have had the players for 10 days, but usually it is only three days, and it is not easy.”
As Trapattoni and his players returned to Dublin during the early hours of the morning, they were able to reflect upon a job well done after being pushed to the limit by Montenegro.
Given had to save from skipper Mirko Vucinic after just three minutes, and then again 16 minutes from time.
But it was Stevan Jovetic’s deflected 78th-minute shot which brought the best out of the Newcastle keeper, who managed to change direction and claw the ball away, earning a pat on the back from defender John O’Shea.
Robbie Keane might have won the game with a 56th-minute snapshot, and Ireland were denied a penalty on the stroke of half-time when defender Radoslav Batak appeared to handle Stephen Hunt’s cross.
However, Trapattoni admitted a draw was what both sides deserved.
He said: “The whole performance was good. Shay Given made a big save when the ball deflected off another player.
“We had two or three very good opportunities to score a goal, and with a bit more calmness, we would have won the game.
“But I can’t expect too much more than what I saw tonight.”
