Ireland ended their World Cup qualifying campaign on a high last night, with the 3-0 victory in Luxembourg leaving supporters about what is to potentially come from this team in 2022.
It is certainly a massive contrast in emotions in comparison to the last time these two sides met, when the visitors ran out surprising 1-0 winners at the Aviva Stadium. Stephen Kenny's side have turned a page since then.
One of the more unexpected aspects of the last few days have been some simmering between Ireland's coaching staff and Luxembourg manager Luc Holtz.
Speaking ahead of last night's fixture, Holtz said that Ireland's upturn in form had been down to a return to a less complicated 'British' style of play.
In the last matches, they played more with the style that they played for 100 years. It was more British style, this fighting spirit, more long balls, more contacts.
I think Ireland are in good shape.
These comments were not well received by Stephen Kenny.
Stephen Kenny responds to Holtz's 'British' comments
In his post-match press conference last night, Stephen Kenny slammed Holtz for 'denigrating' the great Irish players of the past by suggesting they played a primitive style of football.
We were disappointed he denigrated all the great players who played for Ireland.
Denis Irwin was in with us a couple of weeks ago. Roy Keane, John Giles, Liam Brady, Mick McCarthy, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff.
It is wrong to say they just fight for second balls and played caveman football for a hundred years. It’s wrong to suggest that. We thought he denigrated a lot of players and that was unacceptable.
The players themselves know, they hear it themselves. We did speak about it. It is unnecessary, but it’s part of life. We have moved on already...
He is a good football coach, but psychology, he maybe needs to have a look at that side of things. His sports psychology wasn't of the highest order.
Holtz would go on to accuse Kenny and his coaching staff of acting in a disrespectful manner on the sideline in his own post-match press conference, even doubling down on his 'British' comments.
Stephen Kenny will now be looking to place this qualification campaign firmly in the rearview mirror, with Ireland set to face into two friendlies and four UEFA Nations League games in the first half of next year.
SEE ALSO: Luxembourg Boss 'Disappointed' With Behaviour Of Ireland Staff
