Watch highlights of and reaction to the Republic of Ireland's emphatic 3-0 win over Sweden on RTÉ TWO at 7.30pm this evening.
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton hailed the dream start to his reign as 'a bit of a fairytale'.
The Staunton era began in emphatic and exciting fashion with a 3-0 victory over World Cup hopefuls Sweden in front of a sold-out Lansdowne Road last night.
The 37-year-old could not have wished for such a bright beginning as his players shook off the disappointment of failing to qualify for this summer's World Cup in Germany.
Staunton had demanded his team excite him and the fans, only to be given more than he had bargained for as the Swedes suffered one of their worst defeats under coach Lars Lagerback.
Man of the Match Damien Duff was the undoubted star of the show, capping a fine performance with the first goal of the Staunton era, in the 36th minute.
That was the ideal way to tee up his 27th birthday tomorrow, with a rare right-foot strike ending a 27-month international goal drought, and a barren 15-game run for Ireland.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane, captaining the side for the first time after being given the armband by Staunton, added his team's second just two minutes into the second half with a sumptuous right-foot volley following a defence-splitting pass from Ian Harte.
The best, though, was reserved for last with Leeds United midfielder Liam Miller given time and space in embarking on a run from the halfway line before despatching a clinical right-foot shot from 25-yards beyond the flailing Andreas Isaksson.
Appreciably, the Republic have now set themselves high standards with a result and performance that will please England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as his side take on Sweden in a World Cup group game.
In summing up his feelings following his debut game in charge, Staunton said: "I am absolutely delighted. To get a full house is great for everyone and I am thrilled the players gave the fans something to cheer about.
"It's better than what I expected. The players gave me what they had been doing in training over the last few days - and a bit more. Their attitude was fantastic and they have set high standards, but hopefully they will go on from here. But I know what they are like. They are wonderful players, and they showed us that in the few days we have been together."
He continued: "Damien and Robbie led by example, but I can go through the whole team because the lads on the bench played their part in giving those on the pitch their support. It was tremendous, a bit of a fairytale. It was hard to differentiate between the team heading to Germany in June, and the one that will be watching the World Cup from afar as Ireland were rarely troubled."
Staunton, however, is confident Sweden will give a better account of themselves when the tournament eventually starts.
"After this performance, the sad thing is we haven't qualified for the World Cup," added Staunton. "We know Sweden are a good side, but we made them look poor, although I am sure they will be a lot better than this at the World Cup.
"I know what it's like going into an away fixture and you see a full house, it's a cold night and there is a bobbly pitch. Our lads are used to it, but sometimes the opposition can let it get to them and maybe that's what happened to Sweden.
"But I would like to think our attitude was right and our players played with a passion and commitment that I wanted. We certainly gave the supporters something to look forward to. That's what I asked of my players, and that's what I got."
Lagerback felt it was his side's worst showing since he took charge eight years ago, claiming the performance 'was a bad day at work'.
He admitted: "I don't think we have had such a day since I started with my first game against Spain. If there is eight years between such performances then maybe that is not so bad. But credit to Ireland because they showed greater levels of concentration and they were much more aggressive, while we just didn't play as a team."
