World Cup qualifier: Republic of Ireland 3-0 Faroe Islands

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Robbie Keane celebrates his early goal against the Faroe Islands

Robbie Keane marked his record 126th cap for the Republic of Ireland by hitting a hat-trick in the World Cup qualifying win over the Faroe Islands.

Keane, 32, fired in an early opener from Aiden McGeady's cross before he wasted a clear opening as the minnows frustrated the dominant hosts.

Seamus Coleman provided the cross for Keane to slot home the second goal 10 minutes into the second half.

Keane then netted from close range to complete a memorable treble in Dublin.

It was a perfect start for the Republic and Keane, who passed Shay Given to become the country's most capped player.

McGeady sent in a low cross and the LA Galaxy striker neatly stroked the ball beyond keeper Gunnar Nielsen and into the bottom corner after just five minutes.

The Republic were stifled for the remainder of the first half as the visitors packed their defence in a simple gameplan of damage limitation.

Keane was guilty of poor finishing on 26 minutes, a well-worked free-kick putting the skipper clear on goal but he hesitated before a weak shot was saved by Nielsen.

Nielsen also tipped over a powerful volley from Keane and kept out efforts from Jonathan Walters and the impressive McGeady.

Wes Hoolahan, who was making his first start for the Republic at the age of 31, headed over from a McGeady cross three minutes after the restart.

The Norwich midfielder started the move for the first goal and he was again involved as the Irish doubled their lead after 55 minutes.

Hoolahan's pinpoint pass put Seamus Coleman through on the right and the full-back's first-time cross was slid in by the alert Keane.

The Faroes created a rare threat on goal when Atli Gregersen's header from a free-kick landed on the roof of the net.

Keane chalked up a 59th international goal as he completed his hat-trick on 80 minutes with a simple side-foot finish past Nielsen from substitute Conor Sammon's lay-off.

Simon Cox cut inside before blazing over as the Irish eased to victory, although they would have wanted a few more goals to boost their goal difference.

The Republic have moved up to third in the group after second-placed Austria beat Sweden 2-1.

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128 comments

  • Comment posted by themorgatron, at 23:17 7 Jun 2013

    Just under a goal every other game is a cracking record.

  • Comment posted by Helen Andrews, at 09:04 8 Jun 2013

    Keane has scored against the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Russia. Why people do not actually check a few facts before writing something that makes them foolish is rather strange.

  • Comment posted by craig252, at 23:33 7 Jun 2013

    would be great to see Ireland make it to brazil

  • Comment posted by Dr Heath, at 11:31 8 Jun 2013

    @79 well lets see large Irish community in the UK, BBC also broadcasts on the Island of Ireland..that's like asking why do the BBC cover the African cup of Nations

  • Comment posted by U15486790, at 10:28 8 Jun 2013

    wow, the english really dont like the fact that robbie has crushed Charlton's record, do they?

    Its unfortunate for them that they have to qualify against Spain Germany Brazil Argentina Holland and Italy while we get to play the Faroes . .

    If only there was some sort of draw to decide who plays in what group. .hmmm

  • Comment posted by U15406639, at 08:57 8 Jun 2013

    No need to ridicule the guy for being a top professional footballer. He has served his country well with passion and integrity. He fully deserves the plaudits of most International caps and 5th highest scorer. He can only play against what is in front of him and we all know there should be a international B league or qualifiers to get into qualifying groups to increase the standards.

  • Comment posted by Peter Lawwells Wink, at 00:53 8 Jun 2013

    I note that some posters have been uncharitable enough to point out that Robbie only does this sort of thing against part-timers like the Faroes.

    To you I say - cease your carping. So what if he only bulges the net against minnows - he has bigger fish to fry!

    He is clearly breaming with codfidence, and has surely cemented his plaice as a first pike for the team.

    Catch a grip, for cod's hake!

  • Comment posted by we have an internet troll, at 23:28 7 Jun 2013

    We still have a lot to do with Austria away and Sweden at home later in the year, but 3 points and a clean sheet is a good start in the latter stages of the qualifying, And as a Liverpool fan I can only beg people to please ignore these 'YNWA' posts. I'd like to say they're not true Liverpool fans but I honestly couldn't be sure. Anyway, Onward and upwards to Brazil lads! (he says in hope)

  • Comment posted by Faz, at 20:15 9 Jun 2013

    125
    I'm not being pedantic but 3 and 4 are opinion not fact. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with your opinion either.

  • Comment posted by Faz, at 11:32 9 Jun 2013

    There is a lot more to the UK than London.

  • Comment posted by siorghra, at 08:50 9 Jun 2013

    Credit where credit is due. All well and good with your straw clutching arguments, but fact remains he is 4th on the all time European list with over 50% more goals than anyone from England has managed. Much really rankle? Anyway, well done Robbie.

  • Comment posted by U3244992, at 16:37 8 Jun 2013

    @104 No problem. It was a bit forgettable all told! Agree totally on Keane. Has always turned-up and been proud to represent his country. In today's game he deserves respect for that alone. Top man.

  • Comment posted by U14792986, at 15:11 8 Jun 2013

    @94...

    Colombia, Yugoslavia, Denmark, Croatia, Russia and Nigeria are minnows...?

    And your list conveniently omits the likes of Germany, Spain, Holland, France, Italy...

    Your argument is so weak... How many of Klose's goals were against "minnows"?

    Robbie is getting on now but he has had a top class international career.

  • Comment posted by Don Patricio, at 14:54 8 Jun 2013

    @95 Onlyafteragirraffe.

    Here's a tip from a "Thick Paddy".

    There's only one `r' in Giraffe. ;)

  • Comment posted by GoFigure, at 14:12 8 Jun 2013

    @Christian. I think you'll find that Dublin is closer to Glasgow, Belfast & Liverpool which are all in the Britain but not necessarily in England! After all it is the British Broadcasting Corp. buy yourse

  • Comment posted by U14714118, at 13:13 8 Jun 2013

    @87 Onlyafteragirraffe,

    You call the Irish "thick paddies" from the safety of your keyboard, ask yourself this question, would I walk into an Irish Pub and make the same remark.
    I don't think so, do you ?.

  • Comment posted by U15750117, at 11:29 8 Jun 2013

    i love R. Keane for his timing and movement on ball. What a reliable striker both at club level and country, a real patriotic citizen.,.. More goals to come

  • Comment posted by U3244992, at 03:30 8 Jun 2013

    @47 Well said! What sort of people come here purely to be spiteful and begrudging towards a player who has been an excellent pro and always shown-up for his country. Keane has given his best for ROI and his record speaks for itself. Nobody is saying he's one of the best players ever but in terms of the ROI he stands proud and deserves credit and respect!

  • Comment posted by U15010827, at 03:09 8 Jun 2013

    These are all nations that are ranked above Ireland or were so at the time that Keane scored against them. One can only pray for an England player who could produce such a record!
    Yours,
    A moderately irate Nottingham Forest fan.
    (Perhaps you all have some spite to share about that too?)

  • Comment posted by U15010827, at 02:53 8 Jun 2013

    I haven't felt compelled to comment in one of these 'debates' for a while. However, the spite filled bilge served up by some posters regarding Robbie Keane deserves to be shot down with righteous reasoning. Robbie Keane has scored 3 times against Denmark, twice against the Dutch the Czechs and the Russians, and once against Turkey, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Sweden, Italy, Nigeria and France.

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