Number 27 is a forgotten gem and Robbie Keane’s home debut against Argentina.
With weird symmetry the team Robbie Keane made his home debut against at the old Lansdowne Road was the same team he made his one hundredth appearance against, Argentina.
Much had been heard about this young kid from Tallaght who had struck up a great relationship with legendary winger Steve Bull at Wolves in the First Division.
Keane had made his full debut against the Czech Republic a month prior to this in a friendly in Olomouc, that also saw Damien Duff debut.
This was the Irish crowd’s first proper look at their future captain and in contrast to the uneasy relationship some supporters have with him nowadays, back then everyone liked what they saw.
He tormented the Argentinean defence and it was a regular sight in those days to see him pressuring and harrying goalkeepers and lost causes.
Ireland lost 2-Nil that day. The second goal coming from a marvellous chip from the South American’s number ten Ariel Ortega.
When the stadium announcer began to read out the announcement for Man of the Match, the stadium went ballistic with chants of “Keano, Keano” for once not referring to the Man United and Ireland captain Roy.
“The winner of the Man of the Match awards is number ten…” he began reading to cheers of appreciation from the home crowd, before he finished the sentence they were changed to boos.
“…for ARGENTINA, Ariel Ortega!!!”
We had assumed it was our new number ten, nevertheless Ortega’s goal is well worth another look:
So next time you’re thinking of giving out about Ireland’s captain and record goalscorer remember when you were young and in love that summer day in Lansdowne Road when you first met…or that ridiculously good goal by the other team– they’re both good options.
Today marks 27 days to go until the start of Euro 2012, so stick with us every day as we present another memorable Irish soccer moment.
