Chapter 11: World Cup Champions
We were World Cup champions. Even as I say it now, it doesn’t sound real. But I’ll never forget the final whistle in Yokohama, the green shirts, the flags, the noise, the tears. I’ve played in some big matches, lifted trophies at Manchester United, but this was different. This was Ireland. This was history.
I’d been through hell to get here. Saipan, the rows, the near walkout. Some people still think I should’ve kept my mouth shut, put my head down and accepted what was there. But I couldn’t. I wasn’t built that way. I wanted the best for Ireland, the same standards I demanded of myself at club level. When I look back now, I feel justified in standing my ground about the facilities, about preparation. Winning the World Cup doesn’t erase the arguments, but it proves why they mattered.
I have to give credit where it’s due. The FAI backed me when it would’ve been easier to hang me out to dry. They made changes. They supported David O’Leary when he came in. And he, in turn, brought professionalism, calmness, and a belief that this group could go all the way. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
The players deserve everything. Robbie Keane was immense throughout the tournament. Brave, relentless, always sniffing out a chance. He got us going in the final, and his goals carried us when we needed them most. Damien Duff was fearless—stretching defences, running at players, creating panic every time he touched the ball. And young Wayne Rooney—just sixteen years old. He came in without fear, like he was playing five-a-side in the park. He gave us energy, hunger, and goals that changed the course of games. He was a revelation, and I told him after the final: this is just the beginning.
As for myself, I gave everything I had left. Scoring the winner in the World Cup final… well, you couldn’t script it. It wasn’t about proving a point anymore. It was about proving what Irish football could be when we matched talent with belief, preparation, and unity.
I don’t know if Ireland will ever get to another World Cup final. I don’t know if there’ll ever be another summer like this. But I know we’ve left a mark. We’ve shown the world who we are.
And for me? For all the battles, all the doubts, all the stick—I can finally say it was worth it. We are champions of the world.
