Keane bemoans poor campaign

Striker admits set-pieces cost Irish this tournament

Last Updated: June 18, 2012 10:34pm

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Robbie Keane: Felt Ireland have conceded too many soft goals at Euro 2012

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Robbie Keane felt that the Republic of Ireland had come up short of the required quality as they ended their Euro 2012 campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Italy.

Antonio Cassano flicked the ball home from a corner to give Italy the lead just before half-time before Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli sealed the Azzurri's place in the quarter-finals with a stunning late strike.

Keith Andrews was sent off for a second bookable offence and it summed up a disappointing campaign from the Irish, who will leave Poland without a point to their name from their three matches.

Keane paid tribute to the travelling fans, admitting they had been one of the few bright spots of the competition.

Shame

"It's a shame we didn't perform as well as we can and perform for them because if anyone deserves it, it's them."
Robbie Keane on Republic of Ireland's fansQuotes of the week

"The last three games, they've been fantastic," he said.

"It's a shame we didn't perform as well as we can and perform for them because if anyone deserves it, it's them.

"I think we played well tonight without really creating too many chances. It's one of those things. It's certainly disappointing we didn't get something out of the group.

"We're all disappointed, but we've been beaten by better teams."

Keane pointed the finger at his side's defending as they conceded too many soft goals.

He said: "It's set-pieces again and it's been the same in the last few games. It's one of those things because in previous games we've been quite solid in that department."

Asked if this was likely to have been the final appearance for several of Ireland's veteran players - including Keane himself - the 31-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy forward said: "We'll have to see."