A tearful Mick McCarthy has paid tribute to his players following their qualification for the 2002 World Cup. "They deserve it as much, if not more, than me," he said, admitting that he would probably articulate his thoughts much better later when he is not so emotional.
Despite winning 2-1 on aggregate over two legs in the play-off with Iran for a World Cup qualifying spot, McCarthy was not satisfied with today's 1-0 defeat in Tehran. "I'm bothered we lost. I'm being a bit hard on myself, but we're through," he said.
The Ireland boss singled out Wimbledon striker David Connolly's performance. He also felt Aston Villa's Steve Staunton and Sunderland's Jason McAteer had proved their critics wrong. "David Connolly, I've thought was magnificent tonight," he said, adding "Steve Staunton and Jason McAteer were great. I'm delighted for the players and their families.
Ian Harte gave credit to Iran's performance in today's second leg. "We've come through (the qualifiers) unbeaten and fair play to them today, they got the last minute goal," he said. "It's a dream come true for me and everyone and I'm just delighted for Mick McCarthy as well.
"We knew when we came here it was going to be a tough game. They brought on the pressure in the second half and fair play to the back four, back five who stood by it. They got a late goal but we're on to the World Cup and it's very important to the country as well," he said.
Goalkeeper Shay Given, who denied Karim Bagheri with a fine save in the 55th minute, said: "The whole squad of players tonight gave it their all. They got a late goal but it's great for the country as well. We're absolutely shattered now so we just have to go home and enjoy the party."
Mick McCarthy's predecessor in the Ireland hotseat, Jack Charlton, chose to go on a shooting and fishing trip rather than watch the Republic overcome their play-off heartbreak in qualifying for France 98 and Euro 2000 to reach the 2002 World Cup finals.
The victorious Republic of Ireland squad are set to return to Dublin Airport tonight at 4.15am GMT. They will leave Tehran at 12.40am GMT, although it is possible that an earlier flight could be boarded, meaning that they could arrive at 2.15am GMT.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
