WORLD CUP USA ‘94: ROUND OF 16 : Spotlight : SYMPATHY . . . WELL, NO

On Ireland’s loss to Holland:

“To write critically of Ireland has become an unpardonable sin, but this time a little ink will flow. Their supporters watch in mute despair as a succession of errors halted the Irish advance.

“The Republic will never again endure such a wretched first half. The pillaging of Terry Phelan’s left flank led to the first Dutch goal. The second belonged in the all-time top 20 of embarrassing World Cup moments as a shot from Wim Jonk wriggled through Packie Bonner’s gloves.