Ireland playing for pride: Dunne

Poznan (Poland), June 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Defender Richard Dunne said Sunday that Ireland's pride is on the line for their upcoming game against Italy after the team's dreams were crushed by the defeat to Spain.

The Irish became the first team to be knocked out of Euro 2012 after a 1-3 defeat to Croatia last week, followed by a 0-4 thrashing at the hands of Spain Thursday.

On Monday they are to play Italy, who need a win to have any hope of qualifying.

"I came here wanting to get out of the group and to go as far as we could," said Dunne, "but losing to Spain was like all your dreams being crushed in one night".

"We will keep going. Beating Italy is important to us. We don't want to go home without any points."

Dunne, 32, has scored seven goals in his 55 appearances for Ireland.

His club career includes an impressive 296 appearances for Manchester City from 2000 to 2009, when he switched to Aston Villa.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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