World Cup

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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Oct 6, 2016 at 7.45pm UK

Rep. Ireland Republic of Ireland
1-0
Georgia

Coleman (56')

FT(HT: 0-0)

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Martin O'Neill: 'We can play much better'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 06 October 2016

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill admits that his side were nowhere near their best despite beating Georgia 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has admitted that his side were far below their best despite edging to a 1-0 win over Georgia this evening.

Seamus Coleman scored the only goal of the World Cup qualifier 10 minutes after half time, bundling his way into the box before finishing for his first goal at international level.

However, the hosts were forced to ride their luck during the first half in Dublin, with Georgia hitting the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds at one stage.

"I expected Georgia to run us close. If they had a natural goalscorer in their team they could cause teams lots of problems," he told reporters.

"It was very difficult indeed, they had by miles the better of the first half and then we came into it. Seamus Coleman came up with a wonder run and a goal.

"The players have a great desire to do well. We needed a spark at half time and they got themselves going. We can play much better than that."

The win takes Ireland onto four points in Group D, level with Wales, Austria and Serbia after two games.