Irish president hopes team will recover from shock defeat in Cyprus Soccer News SportsNews24h.com

Sports News : Soccer : Ireland : Irish president hopes team will recover from shock defeat in Cyprus

Irish president hopes team will recover from shock defeat in Cyprus

Irish President Mary McAleese said her country deserved the shock 5-2 defeat against Cyprus in a European Championship qualifier on Saturday.

``We were comprehensively beaten by a skilful, brilliant and much better team,'' McAleese said after meeting Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos. ``We were outclassed on the night.''

Cyprus lost 6-1 to Slovakia in its first Euro 2008 match, earning widespread condemnation from fans and media, before recovering for its first-ever win over Ireland.

``I hope the same thing will happen to the Irish team,'' said McAleese, who attended Saturday's game alongside Papadopoulos.

Ireland hosts the Czech Republic on Wednesday, when Cyprus plays at Wales.

Related news

Wales beats Cyprus 3 1 in Euro 2008 soccer qualifying

Craig Bellamy scored one goal and set up another to help Wales beat Cyprus 3-1 Wednesday and earn the principality its first points in European Championship qualifying. Jason Koumas gave ...

Ireland need win against Czechs in Euro qualifying play

Ireland coach Steve Staunton has lost his last four matches and another loss to visiting group leader Czech Republic on Wednesday could cost him his job. Ireland has no points ...

Koller tied it for Czechs in 1 1 Euro 2008 qualifying draw at Ireland

Jan Koller scored in the 64th minute Wednesday to help the Czech Republic hold Ireland to a 1-1 draw in European Championship qualifying. Kevin Kilbane gave Ireland the lead in ...

Robson cleared to resume as consultant to Ireland coach Steve Staunton

Former England manager Bobby Robson has been medically cleared to resume his role as a consultant to Ireland coach Steve Staunton. Robson, 73, has missed Ireland's last four matches _ against the Netherlands, Germany, ...

Italy, England need wins in hunt for Euro 2008 berth

LONDON (AP) _ World Cup champion Italy could be in serious jeopardy of missing out on next year's European Championship if it fails to beat Scotland on Wednesday. And England ...

Germany set to move closer to Euro 2008 spot by beating Cyprus

Three-time champion Germany should move closer to qualifying for the 2008 European Championship by beating Cyprus on Wednesday, while ailing Portugal hopes to get back in contention with a victory ...

Nike executive to be named president/CEO of Canucks

It appears Bauer Nike Hockey executive Chris Zimmerman will be the next president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver radio station News 1130 says the team will ...

IOC president Jacques Rogge concerned about Iraqi athletes

The president of the International Olympic Committee expressed concern Thursday about the plight of athletes in Iraq, citing threats to their safety and the lack of proper athletic infrastructure in ...

Hall of Fame Boston Celtics coach and president Red Auerbach dead at 89

His genius was building a basketball dynasty in Boston, his gift was straight talk, his signature was the pungent cigar he lit up and savoured after every victory. Red Auerbach, ...

End: Irish president hopes team will recover from shock defeat in Cyprus

Discount Magazine Subscription!

Up to 92% off the cover price!

Search for your favourite magazine now!