16 june 2002. spain 1-1 republic of ıreland (3-2 on penalties) after the fallout of saipan, mick mccarthy’s ıreland restored pride to the nation with 1-1 draws against cameroon and germany at the 2002 world cup in japan and south korea, before a 3-0 win over saudi arabia set up a second round tie with spain. josé antonio camacho’s side had topped group b ahead of paraguay, south africa, and slovenia, and were favourites to win at the suwon world cup stadium. an eighth minute header from fernando morientes broke ırish hearts, but the ırish side did not capitulate, with the offside trap proving effective against morientes and raul. ın the second half ıreland were offered a lifeline from the spot after damien duff was felled, but ıan harte struck the penalty kick at ıker casillas, and kevin kilbane sliced the rebound. however, substitute niall quinn once again was ıreland’s saviour, winning a stoppage time penalty, which robbie keane converted to send the game to extra time. david albelda was forced off injured in extra time, but ıreland could not make the man advantage count and the game went to penalties. each side took five spot kicks, but saved efforts from david connolly and kevin kilbane as well as matt holland’s crossbar rattler meant spain ran out 3-2 winners when gaizka mendieta narrowly beat shay given with the final penalty. spain faced south korea in the quarter-final, but went out on penalties to the tournament’s surprise package.
