Oct 15,2024
Jim Crawford has backed his battle-hardened Under-21s to bounce back from Friday's hammer blow at home to Norway in their pivotal final European qualifier in Italy.
"If you'd said final game in a campaign, win and you go through, you'd have taken it," he said. "It's great, it's an experience you want the players to have."
There was a late equaliser when Italy visited Cork back in November too, but there was no greater disappointment than Norway's 93rd minute equaliser in Cork last week. In the build-up to the goal, Irish defender Anselmo Garcia MacNulty had his jersey pulled by Sindre Walle Egeli, however the referee allowed play to go on.
"It wasn't nice," admits Crawford, who preferred to focus on the things he can affect. "I thought defensively we were good for large portions of the game. In possession of the ball we could have been better. On the turnovers, we just need to get that first pass right.
"That will be crucial to us in the game tomorrow night. To concede a goal in the manner that we did, that was definitely a free kick, is a huge disappointment for everyone here. It's cost us two points, a referee's decision," he added.
"The group is still standing, that is for sure," he said as they stand on the cusp of a first major championship qualification at this level.
"Everybody had a huge part to play, from the very first game when this group got together against Iceland in Turner's Cross when we went down to 10 men early. Fantastic displays against Croatia, Ukraine's Under-23 team. We had a lot of challenges/learning moments that the players will savour for the rest of their careers."
What of Italy? The group leaders who boast Serie A players and top-class talent based all over Europe, such as Leeds attacking talent Willy Gnonto (above).
"Italy are an excellent team. Up to now they've been playing with a diamond, play through it with quick combinations," said Crawford. "They have some really talented players."
With only one game in this final window, the Italians were able to mostly rest up last week, winning a 5-0 warm-up game against Serie D side Livorno, and scout Tuesday's opposition.
"I believe they all watched our game on the Friday, which is the sensible thing to do. Their prep has been perfect going into this game.
"The biggest thing is the quality of the players that they have, Serie A players, it's a challenge for our players, but we've had loads of challenges so it's something I know out players will relish," added Crawford, who knows Italy will be wary of an Ireland side who were minutes from a famous victory when they met late last year.
"They're the group favourites because of the talented players they have, the pool of players they have," he said. "I have no doubt they'd be fearful of a lot of our strengths. It's a really good game in prospect, that's for sure."
