Football
John Brewin, ESPN FC 6y

Wales manager Chris Coleman: We got frustrated after Ireland goal

Wales manager Chris Coleman did not hide the hurt of Ireland ending his team's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals with a 1-0 win in Cardiff.

"We just came out a bit short tonight. We needed that first goal, then we got a bit frustrated, started rushing things," Coleman said of James MCclean's lone goal.

With Gareth Bale sat in the Cardiff City Stadium stands, Wales received another blow when midfielder Joe Allen was forced to leave the field in the first half with concussion after a heavy challenge from Ireland captain David Meyler.

"We missed Joe," he said. "It wasn't enough tonight, in terms of imagination. We didn't create enough. You've got to give [Ireland manager] Martin O'Neill a huge pat on the back. They had a gameplan and I sincerely hope they go to the finals."

Ireland finished second in Group D and go into the playoffs. Wales ended up third behind the Irish and group winners Serbia, who beat Georgia 1-0.

Coleman said he remained proud of his players' efforts, despite them failing to follow up reaching the seminals of last year's Euros by getting to a first World Cup since 1958.

He said: "I thanked them for their work, their passion, for making the nation proud. It's been a privilege to work with these players. It's been a hell of an effort. It just hasn't been enough. But it's not my first disappointment in life, and it probably won't be my last one."

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