Former Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane says that the circumstances surrounding the 2002 World Cup were "Crazy."
Ireland made it all the way to the last-16 of the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, with Keane playing a starring role and scoring a couple of vital goals. One man who was conspicuous by his absence however was Robbie's namesake Roy Keane.
The then Ireland captain played no role in the tournament due to an infamous bust up with manager Mick McCarthy in Saipan on the eve of the tournament. The incident has gone on to become perhaps the most controversial moment in Irish soccer history, and Ireland's record goalscorer has opened up on how difficult a time it was for those in camp.
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"We had a lot of media attention in the 2002 World Cup, as did everyone, but we were so far away," said Robbie Keane.
"It was at a time where there was no social media, we didn’t have newspapers either, so we didn’t really see anything from home.
"When you’re at a World Cup, you’re stuck in a hotel for weeks. When you play at club level, you train, go home and get to see your family. Being away from them for a long period of time can be challenging for some players.
"In 2002, we knew it was getting crazy because we were getting the videos from all the journalists. They were sending them to our analyst and he was showing us videos of all our families."
Once the media storm surrounding Roy's absence had blown over, Ireland got down to business and acquitted themselves very well at the tournament. An opening day draw with Cameroon was followed up by a memorable 1-1 draw with eventual finalists Germany, a game where Robbie Keane scored a famous last minute equaliser past Oliver Kahn.
A goal which Robbie won't forget in a hurry.
"It’s very hard to describe exactly what makes a World Cup special, but some of my memories will stay with me forever. Obviously my best one has to be the last-minute equaliser I scored against Germany in Japan in 2002.
"I just remember the atmosphere in Kashima, the fans behind the goal and the lift that it gave everybody in the nation."
In 2002, it was Brazil who went all the way and lifted the trophy. In 2022, they are back amongst the favourites and Keane expects them to do well in Qatar.
"I think Brazil have got a really good chance of winning it. It’s unlikely with the way the draw plays out, but I’d love to see a Brazil v Argentina final. If not, then at least a meeting between them at some point in the tournament."
***Robbie Keane was speaking to Betway as part of their coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup***
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