Belgium rout a reality check for Republic of Ireland, admits Hoolahan
Wes Hoolahan has admitted the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 defeat by Belgium brought him back to earth with a bump just days after he had enjoyed one of the biggest moments of his career.
Hoolahan was briefly the toast of Ireland when he fired his side into a 1-0 lead over Sweden at the Stade de France in their opening Group E fixture, only for Ciaran Clark's late own goal to deny them the victory they craved.
However, the mood was very different in Bordeaux five days later when a 3-0 drubbing by the Belgians left the Republic facing an early exit from the competition unless they can beat Italy on Wednesday night.
> > It brought us back into reality. It's important that over the next couple of days that we get our heads on the game. > > > "The most important thing is that we get the three points which gives us a great chance of getting out of the group. > >
Only victory over Italy - Antonio Conte's men are yet to concede and have already clinched top spot in Group E with a game to spare - will give the Republic a chance of making the last 16, although Hoolahan insists he and his team-mates are not fazed by the prospect.
> > It all depends on what we do. It's not what they do. It's important that we're on the front foot, keep the ball better and create chances. > >