Pride in defeat

McCarthy emerges a better manager, says O'Leary

BBC pundits and ex-Irish internationals David O'Leary and Mark Lawrenson reflect on Ireland's World Cup exit.

David O'Leary

There was only one team that was going to win before the penalty shootout with Spain - and that was Ireland.

They played magnificently and just needed a little bit more luck to go through.

In the second half of every game of this competition they've got stronger and that's to their great credit.

I was surprised to see Harte go to the keeper's right - normally he sweeps them into the other side

Mick McCarthy has become a better manager after what he's been through and his team have been fantastic.

There have been lots of heroes for Ireland, but Damien Duff stands out for me.

Duff's soaring value

If you had to pick a world 11 at the moment, Duff would be there on the left-hand side. How many million must he be worth?

He scared Spain. They were forced to bring on Mendieta to double-mark him but only made Duff stronger.

I also thought both of Ireland's second-half penalties were correctly awarded.

Keane: Big game player

Duff tempted Juanfran for the first before being brought down and Hierro tried to lift Niall Quinn's jersey up off his head for the second.

The penalties were taken by two of my players at Leeds, Ian Harte and Robbie Keane.

I was surprised to see Harte try to slot his kick to the right of the keeper and maybe that was why it was saved.

Normally he sweeps them into the other side.

Kevin Kilbane did the right thing, making sure he was there first to the rebound, but he should have side-footed the ball rather than going for power.

I was sure Keane would score the second penalty, even though it was in the final minute and was so crucial.

The bigger the occasion, the better he is.

And you could see how delighted Harte was because he and Keane are big friends.

Our man in Suwon: Cruellest of endings

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Mark Lawrenson

Ireland can go out of the World Cup with their heads held high, because they've not been beaten.

I just hope there's not a big fuss about the players who missed penalties.

The fuss should be about the way Ireland have played in the competition.

The early goal was a sucker punch

The first half against Cameroon was not great, but since then they've been absolutely brilliant.

They ended up with four forwards in this match because they were so desperate to win the game.

I think the early goal Ireland conceded was a sucker punch.

It was very well-taken by Morientes but it was awful defending.