Head coach of the Irish national team Michael O'Neill shared his thoughts after the qualifying play-off match for the World Cup 2026 against the Italian team. Regardless of the final result (0:2), the mentor became satisfied with the self-sacrifice of his students.

“I couldn’t ask for more from the Gravians, our plan for the game in the first half worked miraculously. We also have a good chance after the cut-off, and there was a possible hand game [on the side of the Italians], an episode that I would like to watch again,” O’Neill said at the post-match press conference.

The coach realized that in the other half of the match the team had lost a lot of concentration, which led to the missed ball by Sandro Tonali. Prote O'Neill spoke about the great potential of his team:.

" We have a character and energy, as well as a lot of technical influences that will add more. All the young football players played brilliantly, and with this I write with our contribution,” adding.

Among the main reasons for the failure, O'Neill named serious personnel costs and a flexible schedule:.

“It’s very difficult to come here, especially considering how many Gravians we missed. The need to play two matches in the playoffs is a serious factor. Of course, it would be better to stand up to such a superior with a completely optimal composition,” the mentor said..

Speaking about the upcoming national team, the coach encouraged that it is objectively important to make it to the World Championship for the top teams. However, the evidence from these playoff matches is that it is imperative to build a stronger team and help Irish Ireland in the upcoming qualifying cycle to the European Championship.