lost that loving feeling - Our Irish Heroes

Ok, so we lost the game, but Irish fans and the team have plenty to be proud about. It was a tournament full of stiff tests for the Irish, both on and off the pitch, a tournament to prove the critics wrong again and again - and the team did that.

Ireland were never meant to be in this World Cup, if you listened to all the experts, yet they overcame Holland and battled with Portugal to make the tournament. Then they were ranked as outsiders in a group with Germany and the strong Cameroonian side, but Ireland went through valiantly. The Roy Keane saga cast a dark shadow of the side, but the team spirit shone through.

All this is the reason why the brave squad returned home to Dublin to a concert and a crowd of 100,000 people. Not many other countries will get such a home coming, even if they came in the second place in the World Cup outright! It's this sort of support for the team that makes Lansdowne Road such a fortress for the Irish, they are sure of a great backing, however things go.

It's really nice to see players who were heartbroken at missing penalties being greeted by rapturous applause and loud cheers, rather then being hounded down as some sort of scapegoat. It makes fans feel proud to know that there will be no hunt after a loss to find excuses and to find people to blame; instead we can be safe in the knowledge that as long as a player gives 100% every game, they will be treated as heroes.

Heroes is how Ireland performed against the mighty Spanish, it's fair to say that for more then half of the game, Ireland were the better team. Despite the match beginning in the worst possible way for the lads, conceding a goal after just 8 minutes from the head of Fernando Morientes. Ireland failed to double up on the player in the box and he in affect got a free header. A striker of his quality just doesn't miss easy chances like that, and to be fair, a lot of Ireland fans feared the worst, as there was still a lot of time on the clock.

Time and time again, Spain looked like scoring, fortunately for Ireland, they timed their offside trap perfectly, and had a generous assistant referee. The Spaniard were getting many more shots then Ireland, as every time Ireland managed to get the able forward, Spain looked extremely potent on the counter attack. Ireland still managed to hang on however, and even looked like scoring a goal in the dying seconds of the half, when Robbie Keane had a half chance.

The second half was a different story all together, as we have seen before with the Irish, they seem to come alive after one of Mick's fine team talks, to spur the lads on to victory. This time though, there was no Niall Quinn; McCarthy stuck to the team from the first half. He soon had to change things round a bit though, as Steve Staunton, making his last ever appearance in an Ireland shirt after 102 caps, had to come off with a thigh strain. Kenny Cunningham replaced him at centre back, who may have been in the original starting line up against Cameroon had it not been for injury worries.

Ireland almost scored when the Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Cassilas dropped the ball at the feet of Kevin Kilbane, but the Sunderland mans shot was cleared off the line and Spain could breathe again. This was Irelands most convincing chance in some time, and Kilbane had put in a decent effort, but maybe Robbie Keane could have struck it with more conviction.

Finally, Ireland got the little bit of luck they needed to get a real shot at the Spanish goal. Damian Duff, who had been running rings around the Spaniards all day, burst into the box only to brought down by Juanfran. The Irish fans rejoiced, however something did tell me we weren't going to score from this one, it was something in Ian Harte's eyes, he didn't look like hitting it well, call it a male version of women's intuition if you must. Harte hit the penalty practically straight at the keeper that was unlucky, however Kilbane's attempt at the rebound was nothing less then dreadful.

The following 20 minutes or so was blow for blow, Spain and Ireland both had chances to get a goal, but neither side could quite grasp it. Raul went close for Spain, then Duffs 20 yard attempt barely missed the post, followed by Iker Cassilas showing his prowess in the air to deny Irish striker Robbie Keane. At this point it was very fair to say that the next goal would decide the game, if Spain got it then Ireland could have good bye to the tournament, however if the Irish could nick a late goal then it would be game on again.

Referee Anders Frisk was bang on form for this game, and he had no fear of giving the decisions when they occurred, he and his assistants had done a great job, and Frisk did not flinch when giving Ireland a last minute lifeline. The substitute Niall Quinn was battling to get a header in with experienced defender Hierro, until the Spaniard attempted to swap shirts with Big Niall 5 minutes early, almost pulling the shirt over the big mans head - the referee was left with little option, it was a penalty.

With regular spot-kick taker, Ian Harte, who had missed one earlier in the game, off the field, Robbie Keane stepped up to the plate to be counted for his country. Fearlessly, Keane struck the ball low into the corner of the net, sparking celebrations for Irish people across the globe. Keane had now scored two of the latest goals in this World Cup tournament, after scoring almost two minutes into injury time against the Germans, Robbie had got the goal around the same time in this second round match.

Extra time was now to be played, with neither side prepared to relinquish the match in the 90 minutes, Ireland would have to score much later then before. The Irish's cause was helped with the fact that Albeda had to leave the field with an injury, with no substitutes left, Spain had to play the remaining duration of the match with 10 men. Despite the one-man advantage the Republic had gained, they were unaware of this, as a matter of fact, many commentators failed to spot this handicap for the Spaniards.

There was little evidence of a decent Spanish effort, strikers Raul and Morientes had been substituted to stall Irelands attacking pressure, but the Irish would be equally weakened through players being forced to play out of position, there were 4 strikers on the field of play for Ireland, Robbie Keane and Damian Duff had started, whilst Niall Quinn and David Connolly had been bought on as replacements.

Robbie Keane had already built up a huge reputation in this World Cup, and it was almost increased as his volley from just outside the area, missed the right hand post. Connolly was the next man to try his luck, just wide of the left post, the striker would have found himself in more demand at club level had that effort made the net, he had struggled to find regular first team football wherever he had played.

So it all boiled down to this then, 5 penalties each, and then we'll see where the score lies, the supreme challenge of nerves, the only way to decide a football match - a penalty shoot out. Ireland was missing probably two of their regular spot kick experts off the field, Ian Harte was taken off and Steve Staunton was unable to continue with an injury.

THE SHOOT-OUT

Robbie Keane, Ireland - GOAL Struck nicely into the same place as his successful attempt in normal time.

Fernando Hierro, Spain - GOAL The perfect penalty almost, Shay Given had little chance of saving it.

Matt Holland, Ireland - MISS Holland, a hero in the Cameroon game and throughout the tournament so far, had his World Cup tainted. He struck it well, and true, unfortunately it was just a little too high and the ball struck the crossbar.

Baraja, Spain - GOAL He scored as well, unfortunately.

David Connolly, Ireland - MISS The second miss of the shoot out for Ireland, and many felt it was the end of the road. He didn't hit it at all, straight at the keeper almost.

Juanfran, Spain - MISS This failed penalty brought hope to Irish hearts, as he sent the ball past the post.

Kevin Kilbane, Ireland - MISS It would be very difficult for Ireland to come back now, much the same as Connolly, straight at the keeper.

Juan Carlos Valeron, Spain - MISS Again, the Spanish granted more hope for the Emerald Isle, as he hit the post. Ireland would need the next penalty for them to go in and Spain to miss their 5th penalty for the shoot out to continue.

Steve Finnan, Ireland - GOAL The best penalty of the lost for me. Straight into the top corner with power, the young lad deserved to score, as he had been a real star all night.

Gaizka Mendieta, Spain - GOAL The final cut for Ireland. The curtain fell as Mendieta kept his cool and hit the ball straight down the middle, past the committed Shay Given. The moment that broke Irish hearts.

Ireland lost the showdown 3-2, but they could leave with their heads held high, even though many players could not avoid shedding the odd tear for the cause. The manner in which the team conducted themselves throughout the tournament was commendable, and the fans gave them the reception they deserved. All 22 men could look upon themselves as martyrs, something to tell their grandchildren about, they played for Ireland at a World Cup.

There were some real stars of this game, and the name of Damian Duff deserves the man of the match award. Never before have I seen a player cut through a Spanish team like this man, he wasn't just beating the first man every time he got the ball - he was beating the first 3 men! If ever a players transfer value had shot up overnight, it was Duffers, he was a hero, carried the game to the opposition, with his sidesteps, turns and step overs. It was a pleasure to watch him play, each time he received the ball you could expect something just that little bit special, capping off a great tournament for Damian.

Steve Finnan is a player who can emerge with a huge amount of credit; I thought that there was much evidence on display of why he was voted the Premierships best right back. Finnan looked secure and sound all game, being able to tidy up at the back and then bring the ball forward putting Ireland back onto the front foot. Mark my words, this lad will be wearing the Manchester United shirt in less then two years, he has risen up the ranks and shown true grit and effort, and above all in the end, skill.

So he missed the penalty, but he struck it very well, Matt Holland was a different class to what we have seen before from him. The Ipswich man claims he does not want to leave Ipswich, but the Tractor boys boss admits that he will have a hard time of holding onto the central midfielder, if a bid came in at the value they are expecting, it's simply money the club wouldn't be able to turn down. Holland was exceptional in the midfield with Matt Holland; he looked very dangerous going forward and did his defensive duties with merit.

A special mention goes to Steve Staunton, despite his age, the stand in captain took on his duties and performed them to a high standard. It was just over 12 months ago that Stan looked to be well out of the Ireland fold, surplus to requirements. However, due to some injuries in the qualifiers, Steve was able to secure his place not only in the squad, but also as a first team regular. He was the robust captain Ireland needed to fend off the Roy Keane saga, accepting no slandering from the media, he also claimed the caps record of 102 caps, and then called it quits at the end.

I doubt there has ever been an Irish player like Niall Quinn, and whether there will ever be another player like Quinny. He is Irelands not so secret weapon, defenders just can't seem to play against Quinn's knockdowns and flick-ons with his 6"4 height. Quinn has done a great job for Ireland down the years and has been a great representative for Irish sport as a whole. He fully deserves the goal scoring record, even though Robbie Keane will look to break this in the near future, and he bows out at the highest level, safe in the knowledge that Ireland will have quality players for years.

Perhaps the least announced of all the retiree's, goalkeeper Alan Kelly has been safe hands for years. He has decided to call time on his career in order to prolong his club career and spend time with his family. It was only over a year ago that Kelly was Irelands no. 1 keeper, with Shay Given out of form, and Dean Kiely untried - but due to strong contention, he was relegated to number 3. Still, he has been a valuable asset to Mick McCarthy, and to the whole Ireland squad, and he is my bet to secure a coaching position with the national team.

So, with all these old hands retiring from the game, who can possibly step into the breach and take their place, simple really, the youth. Thanks to Gary Docherty, there won't be a massive hole at the heart of the green defence, the Tottenham centre back can also slot into the forwards position. He has shown a lot of potential and probably only missed out on a place in the squad due to breaking his leg during the season. Gary still had a lot to say about this though, giving Mick a headache by scoring a late goal in the final friendly match before the Irish left for Saipan.

A new noise is starting to be heard from the East London area, and quite rightly so! Richard Sadlier was denied of having a chance at the squad through injury, but time is on his side. At only 22, Richard will have plenty of years to come as the big centre forward, forging an excellent partnership with Neil Harris at Millwall. He is not as tall as Quinny, but definitely as able in the air, and probably more secure on the ground. I can see this lad playing a big part in our future, and I think the manager can also.

Nick Colgan is ready to step into the position of number 3 Ireland keeper, but don't expect him to be prepared to stay there. The Aberdeen keeper has bags of skill and determination, after starting his career at Chelsea. He may find it difficult to oust either Given or Kiely, but as number 3's go, Colgan is a great keeper.

Maybe harshly, I think it's about time Ireland dropped Kevin Kilbane to the bench. I just don't feel he is international class, and only has one trick to his name. Kevin is a great worker, but it's time to move on, and ultimately move Duffer to the left hand side, where he can do so much damage. I think Mick will spot this, he knows this, and you can probably expect to see a lot more of Kilbane as a squad player.

A player I was very disappointed not to see get a chance to shine on the World stage, was forward Clinton Morrison. So, he's about as Irish as Pele, but he is willing to fight for our cause and has looked impressive when he has come on as a substitute. Possibly the most clinical finisher Ireland have had since well, Aldo, Morrison will put away a lot of chances at his ease. I feel it is time for him to step up to the plate, as he wants to do, and become a first team player for Ireland, in the space vacated by Duffer.

I hate to say it, I really do, but it would be the best for the team in my opinion, if David Connolly and Lee Carsley were never ever selected again. Maybe I am being a tad harsh, I can't blame them for not trying, but they just aren't up to the task any longer, the Irish team has grown in strength and these pair is the weakest links. There is a reason why Connolly could never find first team football anywhere; he just is not good enough. Lee Carsely is a hard worker, but his space in the squad will be taken up by up and coming youngsters. The axe falls here gentlemen, oh and thanks for coming.

This is my Ireland team to start the qualifier against Russia in Moscow, in September:

Formation: 4-4-2

GK: Shay Given

DR: Steve Finnan
DL: Ian Harte
DC: Gary Breen
DC: Kenny Cunningham

MR: Steven Reid
ML: Damian Duff
MC: Matt Holland
MC: Mark Kinsella

ST: Robbie Keane
ST: Clinton Morrison

A few surprises there I know, Steven Reid won't make everyone's XI, but I just feel that he can hack it at the top level and put great crosses into the box. These guys are the future; they are a young side mostly, with a lot of time on their hands. We must select our Euro 2004 qualifying squad with eyes on 2004, not necessarily the present. I've left out the name of Steve Carr, who no doubt is a class player, but Steve Finnan has been impossible to drop. This side will be dangerous coming forward, yet have every ability to cover defensive duties, and with players like McAteer and Gary Kelly on the bench - it is a good side.

It is only fitting to end this article with a tribute to every fan that reads this, the Ireland supporters have been named the supporters of the World Cup. "They have tough the Japanese how to support their team" and I also feel that many Japanese have fallen in love with the spirit the fans have shown. But it's not just this spirit in Japan, it's all over the world, in all 90 million people that qualify for an Irish passport, those that just follow the team and Tony Cascarino. We may not have won the tournament, but we went out with a damn lot of credit, team, backroom staff and fans alike.

Thanks Ireland, for this World Cup, it's been emotional.