Deep into stoppage time, a shock was looking likely at the Serravalle Stadium, as San Marino were on course towards a famous draw against Ireland. San Marino, a team made up of amateur footballers had only ever achieved two draws in competitive matches before and have only once been able to win a match, a friendly back in 2004 against fellow minnows Liechtenstein. Here they were drawing against Ireland, performing way above their depths and perhaps some of the players were already thinking about the story they would be telling their grandchildren.
Alas, that wasn't to be! Danish referee, Peter Rasmussen who among many others, must not have been satisfied by the Irish performance, allowed the game continue into the 5th minute of added on time, even though 4 minutes had been signalled by the fourth official. This was too much time for the brave San Marino defence, who had worked so hard to concede only one goal. A throw-in from the left, caused panic in the box as Robbie Keane latched onto the ball and sent a shot goalwards, only for it to be blocked and eventually fall to Stephen Ireland who bundled it over the line from close range. The clock read 94.30. The players (those that could bare to) celebrated. Steve Staunton's tenure as manager was prolonged.
The fallout from this match was not going to be pretty. To say the least, the reaction was timely and justfied. This was almost worse than the 5-2 loss to Cyprus. Nobody could argue about the performance or the nature of the result tonight. Right?...
