Mick McCarthy's battling team twice came from behind before teenaged marksman Robbie Keane grabbed a dramatic 87th-minute winner over the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road. A draw with the Czech Republic, the team ranked second in the world behind Brazil, would have been creditable enough. But the Irish rewarded a 30,000-plus Dublin crowd with a wonderful finale, Keane hooking home Niall Quinn's knock-down from a corner by substitute Steve Staunton.
Giant striker Jan Koller fired the Czechs ahead in the fourth minute but Ireland grabbed a 16th-minute leveller with an own goal by defender Karel Rada. Rada then impeded his goalkeeper Ladislav Maier to present Ian Harte with another gift equaliser just before the break after Koller had headed the Czechs back in front. And after substitute Phil Babb, a half-time replacement for debut-making centre-back Paul Butler, hit the bar with an acrobatic overhead kick, Ireland forced the decisive corner which led to Keane's sixth goal in 16 international appearances.
