ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

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The Irish national football team at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea:

Qualification
Ireland had been drawn as group opponents Portugal, the Netherlands, Estonia, Cyprus and Andorra. Since only the group first qualified directly and the second had to play a decision game, the chances for a World Cup participation were very poor. Portugal and the Netherlands were considered high favorites.

At the start, however, there was a surprising away draw against the Netherlands, which had once again taken a qualifying game lightly. It was almost a sensation when the next away game against Portugal ended in a draw. Suddenly, qualification no longer seemed impossible. The next games were won according to the program against the easy opponents Estonia, Cyprus and Andorra. The Dutch, on the other hand, had to accept a home defeat against Portugal.

The foundation stone for the third participation in the finals after 1990 and 1994 was laid by the Irish on 2nd June. June 2001 with another draw against Portugal. A few weeks later they won at home by a strong fighting performance against the Netherlands 1-0. The second place in the table was reached. Only because of the better goal ratio Portugal became first.

At the playoffs, Ireland had to compete against Iran, where they narrowly prevailed.

Decision game:

Irish squad

Preliminary
In Ireland there was already excitement before the tournament. The star and captain of the team, Roy Keane, repeatedly criticized the association for his organizational achievements and was subsequently suspended.

After Ireland had reached a draw in the first two group games against Cameroon and Germany, the final of the eight was within reach. A 2-0 against the weak Saudis would suffice. Ireland had never won a World Cup match with more than one goal difference, but Saudi Arabia was not a serious opponent. The Irish won 3-0 and finished second behind Germany in Group E.

Weekends
Ireland's opponent was the winner of Group B, Spain. The Spaniards had won alongside Brazil as the only all preliminary round games and were considered favorites. With Raúl and Morientes they had world class players in the squad.

Spain took the lead in the eighth minute. Ireland fought hard. With an almost incredible running performance you tried to force the compensation, but failed again and again on the outstanding goalkeeper Iker Casillas. He even had a penalty in the middle of the second half. Only in the 90th minute was Ireland able to compensate by a foul meter. In the extension continued to fight. Spain had only ten men left on the pitch, as one player was eliminated injured and the replacement contingent was already exhausted. But it remained at 1:1.

So it came to the penalty shooting First met Rob