Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has insisted that his side can still qualify for the 2014 World Cup, despite their 6-1 thumping by Germany on Friday night.

The result has left Germany six points clear of Ireland and three ahead of Sweden in Group C, but Trapattoni says that his team can still finish second.

"It's a long way to Tipperary," Sky Sports News quotes Trapattoni as saying. "Germany have gone, but we are in there fighting with Austria and Sweden for qualification. Why not?

"The players have to answer us and I am sure they can. We need to see their commitment in a very important situation here.

"I am proud of those players because their commitment is full, 100%. I don't accept players without this commitment."

Ireland travel to the Faroe Islands on Tuesday, while Sweden visit Germany.

Written by
Matt Domm