Richard Dunne laments Republic display in Russia defeat
Richard Dunne is about to get a tackle in on Alexander Kerzhakov
Richard Dunne said he and his Republic of Ireland team-mates had got what they deserved in Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier 3-2 home defeat by Russia.
Dunne agreed that the Republic's two late goals had not papered over the cracks in a poor home display.
"We seemed to have one game plan and that was go long and when that didn't work, we were wide open," said Dunne.
"We are allowed pass the ball but for whatever reason, we don't feel comfortable doing that."
Dunne added:"They passed the ball really well and they have really skilful players.
"When they broke, they broke quickly and it was difficult to defend against.
"For whatever reason, we never got going. We had a little chance before they scored but we never really looked like doing anything.
"It wasn't until we got the penalty that we started to give it a go."
Dunne spoke of his frustration at the Republic's inability to repeat the kind of passing game which came so close to unhinging France in last year's World Cup play-off in Paris.
"We proved when we played France that we can play football and we can pass the ball.
"But it's about being brave enough and we weren't brave enough tonight.
"We have got to be braver when we have the ball."
Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni acknowledged that his team "didn't play well in the first half".
Trapattoni admitted he had been caught out by Russia's formation, with Kerzhakov and Dzagoev playing up front, but he took comfort from his side's response in the final stages.
The Italian said: "Over 90 minutes, Russia deserved to win. In my mind I had an idea how Russia would play away from home, that maybe they would play with one striker and more in midfield.
"We had a good reaction in the second half and we deserved to score those two goals."
Russian manager Dick Advocaat said his players had deserved their victory.
"Today Russia were the better side. The most important thing is that for the majority of the game the crowd saw an excellent Russia," added Advocaat.
"Now we are totally back in contention but we still have to play (against Macedonia) on Tuesday. If you get a bad result then this has been no good."
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