Despite his side's cruel exit from the European U17 Championships on Monday evening, Ireland captain Nathan Collins remained remarkably composed during the post-match interview with RTÉ's Tony O'Donoghue.
In extraordinarily controversial circumstances, Ireland keeper Jimmy Corcoran was shown a second yellow card after saving a spot-kick during a penalty shootout against the Netherlands.
The referee adjudged that Corcoran had stepped off his line too soon. He was sent-off and replaced by centre-back Oisin McEntee in goal. The penalty was retaken and the Netherlands, favourites to win the tournament, scored to progress.
As he had been through the game, Collins - who plays for Stoke - was a picture of calm as he stood on the sideline in front of the camera.
"It is, it is heartbreaking," said Collins.
"I couldn't be any prouder of the lads, they gave everything they had and that's all they can do at the end of the day. It just hasn't come our way today."
Though he was given plenty of rope by Tony O'Donoghue to hang the referee, Collins refused.
I didn’t know what to do, I didn't know what to think. When he saved it I was buzzing but then, you know, it's the ref's decision, wasn't it?"
I'm sure their keeper may have come off the line as well but it's his decision, isn't it, and there's nothing we can do about it.
It's just our luck on the day, wasn't it? There's nothing we can dwell on now, we just move on from it.
I couldn't be any prouder. Honestly, they've given everything, 100 per cent every game. That's all we can do.
You can watch Nathan Collins's interview with Tony O'Donoghue below.
Heartbreak for Irish skipper Nathan Collins but he continued to lead by example when he spoke to @Corktod after defeat to the Dutch #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/J5uXPR6hbz
— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) May 15, 2018
