Republic of Ireland midfielder Josh Cullen was frustrated that his side could not score their needed second goal as they drew to Azerbaijan 1-1 in their World Cup Qualifier.
After a much improved performance against a strong Portugal team, Ireland were hoping that they could come away with a victory, and more importantly a statement, against the 112th ranked team in world football.
As it was, however, Azerbaijan went up 1-0 just before half time, with Ireland struggling to get the equaliser throughout the second half, before a Shane Duffy header found the back of the net in the 87th minute.
With all of the possession, Ireland failed to find the net again, with Azerbaijan happy to take the 1-1 draw away with them.
Frustration was the overriding emotion for Irish midfielder Josh Cullen after their 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw with Azerbaijan.#IRLAZE #WorldCup2022 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/sHqdDNI383
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 4, 2021
Speaking to RTE after the match, Cullen described the overarching feeling following another match without a win for Stephen Kenny's Ireland.
"Frustration, I suppose," Cullen said. "I think we started the game well in the first 15 minutes and for whatever reason we dropped off for probably a 30 minute period leading up to half time.
"It was summed up by the goal that they scored. I think everyone that watched the game could see the pattern of the second half; it was all us.
"Again, a lot of frustration because we couldn't get the two goals that we needed."
Ireland made the most attacking chances throughout the game, but failed to capitalise on them when it counted, a fact that added to the frustration for Cullen.
"It is difficult when a team sits in like that," Cullen said. "You have to make the most of the half chances that you create, and little openings.
"At times, our finish or our final ball wasn't as good as it should have been, but saying that I think we did create enough to get the two goals, but unfortunately we could only get one."
While he was happy to be playing in front of fans in the Aviva again, Cullen could not get over Ireland's inability to secure the victory for the returning crowd.
"I am obviously delighted to be playing for my country and every time you get to put on the shirt it is a massive honour," Cullen said.
"I just love being there playing for Ireland, but like I said it is a frustrating one tonight. A massive thank you to the fans that came out, because they were unbelievable.
"They pushed us right to the end and stuck by us. It was great to have them back, but a frustrating evening that we could not give them what they deserved."
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