Ireland 1-1 Spain (2002)
The place was the Big Bird Stadium, Suwon. The date was 16 June, 2002.
By Conor Hogan
Italia ‘90 and USA’94 were enjoyable and all, but let’s face it, 2002 was the first World Cup where Ireland played really well. It began terribly, with the whole Roy Keane saga (something discussed so often that we’ll skip it here). But the team pulled together, showed great team spirit, and best of all played some really good football.
The group stage was notable for a couple of excellent comebacks against Cameroon and Germany (the last minute equaliser against the Germans was the only goal Oliver Kahn would concede until the final) before a comfortable  3-0 win over a pathetic Saudi Arabian team earned Ireland a tie against Group B winners Spain.
Despite starting well, Ireland conceded an early goal when Carles Puyol’s cross was headed into the net by Fernando Morientes in the eight minute. Ireland knew they needed another comeback and, after a Luis Enrique goal was correctly ruled out for offside, pushed for the equaliser as Spain packed the defence.
Ireland looked to be back in it when Juanfran was harshly penalised in the 64th minute for a tackle on Damien Duff in the box. Penalty specialist Ian Harte stepped up to take it, but his weak shot was saved by Iker Casillas. Even worse than Harte’s was Kevin Kilbane’s miss from the rebound, when he scuffed his shot wide with an open goal at his mercy.
All hope seemed lost, until Fernando Hierro was adjudged to have pulled substitute Niall Quinn’s shirt in the last minute (brilliant decision), and Anders Frisk awarded Ireland a second penalty. Harte decided not to take this one. Robbie stepped up, and slotted it home brilliantly. Casillas didn’t even move.
Extra time
There were few chances in extra-time, both teams seemingly settling for penalties (Ireland because they had almost been out, Spain because they were down to ten men due to injury). After 30 minutes, Frisk blew his whistle, and it was going to penalties.
Robbie Keane blasted the first home as confidently as his kick in normal time. Hierro scored. Matt Holland hit the bar. Ruben Baraja sent Shay Given the wrong way to score. David Connolly hit his shot straight at the Casillas.
Juanfran hit his shot wide, to keep it at 2-1 to Spain after 3 penalties each. Kilbane stepped up, trying to make up for his terrible miss in the second half. He didn’t.
Then Valeron hit the post for Spain. After Finnan popped his into the top corner, it all came down to substitute Gaizka Mendieta. If was to score, Ireland would be going home. His penalty was crap . . . but somehow it went in.
