Group D Czech Republic v Republic of IrelandThey say translators, on the whole, are paid handsomely, but after yesterday's experience in Prague whatever they earn just isn't enough.

First off was the young Czech woman who struggled heroically to convert the gaffer's chat about Dunnie, Doyler, Carso and Reidie to her own language for the benefit of local reporters. After she looked blankly at Steve Staunton he tried to be helpful. "Dun-nie," he whispered, v-e-r-y slowly, but she was none the wiser.

Come late afternoon she'd disappeared, perhaps still in recovery (and speaking her English with a deep Drogheda drawl), and another chap had the task of translating Karel Bruckner's lengthy pre-match musings for the benefit of the visitors.

By the time he was done the sweat that had dripped from his forehead had formed a pool below him.

"Will Bruckner be under pressure if you lose this game?" we'd asked the Czech reporter (who, need it be said, can speak more languages than we've had TV dinners) before the manager arrived.

"Yes, he will be sacked."

We took that as a yes.

When the 67-year-old arrived, accompanied by Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky, there was just a touch of tension in the air. "Why?" we asked our Czech friend.

"The prostitutes and the party," he winked.

"Sorry?"

Ah yes, the time Rosicky and four of his team-mates celebrated losing at home to Germany with an all-night party in their Prague hotel, in the company of nocturnal ladies. That was March, but still the air sizzles when those who wrote about the escapade and those who enjoyed it meet.

"People would not have minded so much if we had won," he explained. "In fact . . . "

"Stop."

Bruckner considered resigning at the time, describing the affair as "big trouble". Seven months on and, it seems, the man who has been Czech coach since 2002 is in big trouble himself.

"But you're second in the group?"

"Yes, but we have only played well twice in the last two years: against the USA in the World Cup and away to Slovakia in this group. That is not enough."

"But you must be confident about beating Ireland?"

"Ha! No!"

Cripes.

A young Czech with a ponytail down to his buttocks asks a question. Rosicky guffaws. Bruckner purses his lips and glances at the ceiling, before embarking on a response that made us worry we'd still be in the stadium press room come kick-off tonight.

Translator: "Yes, we hope to win."

Each question is greeted with a sigh by Bruckner, especially those relating to the absence of the suspended Jan Koller.

Translator: "Mr Bruckner says we can't play with Koller and we can't play without Koller. Next question." Eh?

Bruckner is asked what he believes to be the strengths of the Irish team. He's off again. We clear 27 pages in our notebooks.

Translator: "Mr Bruckner says, 'The Irish are a very stable team, they have great quality attackers and midfielders, and a lot of alternatives in attack. Many of this squad play in the English Premier League so they have a lot of confidence in their ability'."

We're feeling robbed here,though probably not as aggrieved as the Irish defence, the only department of the Irish team not praised by Bruckner.

"It has been said the Irish believe the Slovaks are a better team than us. All I can say is that we will see on the pitch," he apparently adds.

Then we're all done - or "Dun-nie", as that Czech woman probably now puts it.

Bruckner and Rosicky smile at the Czech reporters; the Czech reporters smile back. But we didn't feel the love. Maybe it was lost in translation.