The Last Stand: Ireland win 2002 World Cup!
The Last Stand: Ireland v Italy QF
Robbie Keane the hero with injury time winner.
World Cup Quarter Final | June 22, 2002 | Daejeon World Cup Stadium
By Dylan O'Connell
RTÉ Sport contributor
The Republic of Ireland’s remarkable World Cup journey reached unprecedented heights in Daejeon as David O’Leary’s side produced a dramatic 2–1 win
over Italy to book a place in the semi-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
O’Leary, who took the reins in the wake of a turbulent build-up to the tournament, masterminded a performance full of discipline, tactical precision,
and resilience. From the first whistle, Italy enjoyed more of the ball — finishing with 56% possession — but Ireland’s structure and determination
frustrated the Azzurri’s attacking trio of Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, and Cristiano Doni.
Duff ignites Irish hopes
After a cagey first half, the deadlock was broken in the 75th minute. Robbie Keane, who had been tirelessly working the channels, dropped deep to receive
possession before threading a perfectly weighted ball to Damien Duff. The winger, dazzling once more on the biggest stage, cut inside and drilled a low finish
past Gianluigi Buffon to put Ireland in front.
Italy bite back
The lead lasted just nine minutes. Substitute Damiano Tommasi lofted a ball over the top, and Angelo Di Livio, arriving late into the box, smashed home an
excellent strike from outside the box to level the match at 1–1.
Keane the hero
With extra-time looming, O’Leary rolled the dice, pushing substitute Kevin Kilbane higher up the left. It proved decisive. In the 90th minute, Kilbane surged down
the wing and delivered a cut back for Roy Keane who slotted into Robbie Keane. Keane with a quick turn composed himself before slotting into the far corner past Buffon.
The green-clad stands erupted in scenes reminiscent of Stuttgart ‘88 — only this time, the celebrations were for a semi-final place.
O’Leary’s reaction
Speaking afterwards, O’Leary praised his side’s character:
“We’ve beaten one of the greatest footballing nations in the world because we believed we could. The players gave me absolutely everything — and now,
they’ve earned the right to dream.”
Republic of Ireland 4-4-2:
Shay Given, Steve Finnan, Kenny Cunningham, Steve Staunton, Ian Harte, Jason McAteer (Stephen Reid 66’), Matt Holland (Mark Kinsella 66’), Roy Keane (C),
Wayne Rooney (Kevin Kilbane 73’), Damien Duff, Robbie Keane.
Italy 4-4-2:
Gianluigi Buffon (C), Gianluca Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, Luigi Di Biagio (Damiano Tommasi 67’), Gennaro Gattuso,
Angelo Di Livio, Francesco Totti, Cristiano Doni, Alessandro Del Piero.
Man of the Match: Damien Duff (Ireland)
Referee: Gamal Al-Ghandour (Egypt)
Match Stats:
- Goals: Republic of Ireland 2 – 1 Italy
Shots: Republic of Ireland 11 – 5 Italy
Shots on Target: Republic of Ireland 8 – 3 Italy
Possession: Republic of Ireland 44% – 56% Italy
Tackles: Republic of Ireland 7 – 10 Italy
Fouls: Republic of Ireland 1 – 2 Italy
Yellow Cards: Republic of Ireland 0 – 2 Italy (Nesta 3’, Gattuso 86’)
Red Cards: 0 – 0
Corners: Republic of Ireland 6 – 0 Italy
Pass Accuracy: Republic of Ireland 73% – 88% Italy
Shot Accuracy: Republic of Ireland 72% – 60% Italy
Last edited by RMJH4 on 15 Aug 2025, 04:56, edited 1 time in total.
The Last Stand: Ireland v Italy QF
Robbie Keane in his prime, he did it against Germany in the actual world cup too.
The Last Stand: Ireland v Italy QF
Semis!! Two more games, let's do it!!
I've been checking out this Classic Patch on Youtube and oh man... it's a dream. Might have to upgrade my PC just for it.
I've been checking out this Classic Patch on Youtube and oh man... it's a dream. Might have to upgrade my PC just for it.
▲ #AllRed | Club Atlético Independiente
× Watched: Atlantics (2019), Black Eagle (1988), Bring Her Back (2025) ×
× Watched: Atlantics (2019), Black Eagle (1988), Bring Her Back (2025) ×
The Last Stand: Ireland v Italy QF
Yes its been a dream tournament so far for the Irish! Robbie rescued us on the last one. Great attacking players are key for our success, and Shay Given. He's top class.
Yes absolutely get this patch. It's amazing. You don't need a great rig to run it. If you need any advice on how to install it please hit me up. They have full serie a league for most seasons late 80s to 2010s. Unfortunately not many teams in other league's, like top 4/5 teams. But international tournaments are fully covered from 60s to current day!!
The Last Stand: Ireland v Italy QF
What a win, World Cup classic that. Only going to get harder from here.
The Last Stand: Ireland v Italy QF
Yes a cracking game!! Germany in the semi finals next, I have no idea how that has happened! Maybe the mod does have some small flaws. The Draw has seemingly changed about 3 times now! Was getting ready to play France but the Germans I know I can match up with at least. Still a chance of an Ireland - England final which would be amazing!
The Last Stand: Ireland v Italy QF
World Cup 2002 – Quarter-Final Recap.
The World Cup quarter-finals served up a feast of drama, goals, and history as Europe’s giants flexed their muscles — with the Republic of Ireland writing yet another incredible chapter in their fairytale run.
France 2–0 Japan (Yokohama)
Defending champions France booked their place in the semi-finals with a professional 2–0 victory over co-hosts Japan.
Thierry Henry struck midway through the first half with a clinical finish, before Patrick Vieira powered home a header in the second period to seal the result.
Japan fought valiantly in front of their home support, but France’s experience and composure proved too much as Les Bleus marched into the last four.
Republic of Ireland 2–1 Italy (Daejeon)
David O’Leary’s men stunned the Azzurri with a dramatic late winner to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Damien Duff gave Ireland the lead with a coolly-taken finish in the 75th minute, before Angelo Di Livio levelled for Italy just nine minutes later.
But in the dying moments, Robbie Keane climbed highest to head past Gianluigi Buffon, sparking wild celebrations among the Irish support. It was a famous night for Irish football, setting up a semi-final clash with Germany.
England 2–2 Turkey (Ulsan – England win 5–4 on pens)
England endured a nerve-shredding evening as they were pushed all the way by a spirited Turkey side before finally prevailing on penalties.
Michael Owen opened the scoring early with a trademark poacher’s finish, but Hasan Şaş equalised with a thunderous strike before the break.
Paul Scholes restored England’s lead with a curling effort in the 70th minute, only for veteran Tugay to peg them back again with ten minutes to go.
The game went to penalties, where England held their nerve — scoring all five, while Tugay’s miss proved costly for the Turks.
Germany 3–0 Croatia (Shizuoka)
Germany produced their most dominant display of the tournament so far, brushing aside Croatia 3–0.
Oliver Bierhoff rolled back the years with a brace, heading in the opener before tucking away his second with a classic striker’s finish. Miroslav Klose added a third late on with yet another headed goal to complete the rout.
The Germans looked ruthless and efficient, laying down a marker ahead of their semi-final showdown with Ireland.
Semi-Final Preview
Republic of Ireland v Germany (Seoul)
The fairytale run continues for David O’Leary’s Ireland, who face a daunting clash against Germany in the last four. But the Irish will take confidence from their stunning 4–2 victory over the Germans in the group stage, when Robbie Keane and Wayne Rooney tore through the German defence.
Germany, however, look revitalised since then, with Oliver Bierhoff and Miroslav Klose firing on all cylinders. It’s David versus Goliath once again — and Ireland believe they can shock the world one more time.
France v England (Saitama)
A heavyweight showdown with a distinctly Premier League flavour. Thierry Henry, fresh from netting his fourth goal of the tournament, will look to exploit England’s defence, while Patrick Vieira anchors the French midfield.
England have their own talisman in Michael Owen, who also has four goals to his name and is chasing the Golden Boot. With Paul Scholes pulling strings and David Beckham prowling the flanks, this promises to be one of the great World Cup semi-finals.