Delusion follows near humiliation as Irish players toe Staunton's line

The Republic of Ireland limped back into Dublin in the early hours of yesterday knowing that they were just eight seconds away from the worst result in their football history.

Such statements are sometimes glibly made but the ramifications - and recriminations - of drawing 1-1 with San Marino cannot be underestimated. Manager Steve Staunton would have gone, while John Delaney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland, would have faced fierce pressure to resign.

Much of that pressure is still there despite Stephen Ireland's late winning goal at the tiny Olimpico Stadium in Serravalle which denied the 195th best team in the world their most glorious achievement.

The pressure showed on Delaney who was barracked by the Irish fans and responded, when Ireland scored, by shaking a triumphant fist in their direction. Not a wise move. There was even more banality later, with Staunton trying to pluck positives - while being asked if he might consider resigning.

It spread to his players with the Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, who made his debut as a second-half substitute, saying: "Be it San Marino away or Brazil away, it's not easy because that was a lose-lose situation. If we had won 10-0 we wouldn't have been praised, and in winning 2-1 we know we're going to get hammered." He was right about being "hammered" but comparing the Sammarinese to Brazil?

Hunt was more rational when admitting Ireland's goal had been met with "sheer relief". "We're not going to kid ourselves," he added "We're just pleased to have come away with the win."

In the cold light of day the Group D table will show the Republic up to third place - having played a game more than their rivals. Captain Robbie Keane tried to build on that and addressed the issues of the fans' anger especially as he, too, was a target. "I can understand their frustration," Keane said. "They pay a lot of money to see good football and us do well. They didn't see that, but while they might be disappointed with the performance, they will be delighted with the win." Maybe not quite delighted, given that their opponents had not come close to gaining a point in their previous 37 European qualifiers.

"We got the fright of our lives," admitted Kevin Kilbane, who scored the Republic's other goal. "And we've a lot of improving to do." And that is the problem. The Republic are not showing any signs of improving under Staunton and his excuses that he is "rebuilding" are wearing thin.

Those foundations are being placed on quick-sand. He will survive through to the double-header at home to Wales and Slovakia next month, at Croke Park, but unless six points are gathered the Republic can expect to be led by a different man come their tour to the United States this summer.