Martin O'Neill has weighed in on the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 defeat to France at the Aviva Stadium on Monday night in their opening game of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Josh Cullen's misplaced pass, which resulted in France's goal, was dubbed "suicidal" by O'Neill as Benjamin Pavard's strike gave Gavin Bazunu little hope with a wonderful effort.
In addition, the former Ireland manager stated that the Boys in Green should have tried to "throw caution to the wind" earlier in the contest.
"It's just after halftime, they have thwarted France so that's fine," O'Neill told Viaplay.
"So you want to just get yourself into position... there, it's kind of suicidal really. I don't know. Please, whatever you do, you're in that position there, you got to be looking forward.
"Don't be looking sideways just outside your own penalty area. It's highly dangerous from any team. I know Bazunu made two decent saves in the first half, but overall, that was probably France's first shot on goal. So they have conceded. Things change now obviously after that, and while we have a grandstand finish,
"I think perhaps maybe throw caution to the wind a wee bit earlier than that. That would be my own thought."
O'Neill claimed Kenny's team needed to take more risks when they were behind in the second half.
The 71-year-old referenced his own Irish team that lost 5-1 to Denmark in 2017, in a 2018 World Cup second leg playoff.
""For instance, in my game against Denmark, never to be forgotten. We are 2-1 down at half-time and we have to score two goals in the second half," O'Neill added.
"Really, the side that I had in the first half would not have been constructive enough to score two goals.
"I took a chance by throwing on Wes Hoolahan and Aidan McGeady, knowing we would lose a lot physically and the next goal was going to be crucial. We concede it and then fall, but I don’t mind.
"It doesn’t really matter if you conceded three or four. When you are trying to qualify for a competition, you have to take a gamble at some stage or another."
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