Eamon Dunphy says Hallgrímsson should go 'back to dentistry' after play-off defeat

Eamon Dunphy says Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson should go "back to dentistry" after the penalty shoot-out defeat to the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Dunphy was critical of Ireland's game management, as they took an early two-goal lead thanks to Troy Parrott and an own goal.

However, the Czech Republic responded with a penalty straight after Ireland's second goal, and after applying the pressure in the second half, Ladislav Krejci equalised to send the game to extra time.

Writing in his column for the Irish Daily Mirror, Dunphy criticised Ireland's response to the Czech Republic's first goal, and said the blame lies with the manager.

"The opening ten to fifteen minutes were critical and Ireland got them completely wrong. They failed to get on the ball, failed to impose themselves and allowed Czechia to build momentum. This is basic game management. It is not complicated. But it requires clarity of thought and direction from the sideline. Again, it wasn’t there.

"The equaliser, when it came, felt inevitable. Ireland had retreated into themselves, lost their shape, lost their confidence. From 2-0 up, they were now hanging on.

"They looked like a team waiting for something to happen, rather than making it happen. That is the hallmark of a poorly coached side. Go back to dentistry, Heimir."

Moving forward, Dunphy called for Hallgrímsson to leave and said the team has gone as far as they can go under his management.

"When you blow a 2-0 lead, when you allow a limited opposition back into a game, when you show no tactical flexibility, no in-game management, no ability to steady the ship — that is not down to luck. That is down to the manager.

"Hallgrímsson has made a habit of this. Too much tinkering, too many strange decisions. His teams lack identity. When things go wrong, there is no visible response.

"There are positives in this squad. Parrott is a real talent. There are players who can perform at this level. But they are being let down by a system — or lack of one — that does not maximise their strengths or protect their weaknesses.

"This has gone as far as it can go. The evidence is there, not just in this game, but in the pattern of performances. The Dentist has had his chance. Now he needs to go."