Republic draw delights Trapattoni

Trapattoni shows his contentment with the result after the game

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was "very happy" after his side had claimed a 0-0 draw in the World Cup qualifier in Montenegro.

The result built on the 2-1 win in Saturday's opener against Georgia.

"It was not easy because Montenegro were playing at home and we had to deal with the atmosphere in the stadium and the heat," said Trapattoni.

"We played a great, great game. I congratulate all the players. They all played well."

Trapattoni felt that his players had been "a bit anxious in the first half but we weren't in any danger".

"Then in the second half, I felt we controlled the game, which was our aim."

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However, Trapattoni agreed that the outcome was a "fair result".

"I knew before the game that the opponent was very, very hard," added Trapattoni.

"I told the players to be careful and in the first half they were a little bit stronger than us.

"But we were very well organised. We have a good defence and we played without a little mistake.

"In the second half, we controlled the game better, we grew in confidence and the players understood what I said to them, that it was possible to lose and they should run down the clock if they could."

With a bit more calmness, we would have won the game Giovanni Trapattoni

Trapattoni praised Shay Given's crucial late saves as the home side pressed hard to claim victory.

"Shay Given made a big save when the ball deflected off another player.

"But we controlled the game and we had two or three very good opportunities to score a goal, and with a bit more calmness, we would have won the game.

"But I can't expect too much from what I saw tonight."

Trapattoni did add that his team should have been awarded a penalty after Radoslav Batak appeared to handle Stephen Hunt's cross.

"On the pitch I wasn't sure, but now I have seen it on television, it was a penalty.

"But we have to be happy. It is an important result."