Ireland ease past San Marino
Keane got a hat-trick as Ireland eased to victory
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Wednesday, 15, Nov 2006 09:58
The Republic of Ireland got a morale-boosting victory against minnows San Marino in their group D qualifying match for the European 2008 championships.
Their first goal came as early as the seventh minute as Charlton midfielder Andy Reid's free-kick on the edge of the box was deflected into his own goal by Davide Simoncini. That gave Ireland all the confidence they needed to push on and make their superior skill level count.
Ireland had two good chances for Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane before they got their second after 24 minutes as this time the Reading hitman was able to finish.
Making his debut for his country Doyle thundered his header in off the under side of the bar from Kevin Kilbane's cross.
From then on it was the Keane show as the Irish captain bagged a hat-trick. He scored in the 31st minute as Kilbane was again the provider and Keane cooley slotted home.
Simone Bacciocchi fouled Irish defender Paul McShane in the box which allowed Keane to step up and get his second and Ireland's fourth of the night.
The hat-trick was complete when he headed in from point blank range following an Reid cross in the 85th minute which completed the rout.
Ireland are now fifth in the group six points away from a qualifying spot currently occupied by the Czech Republic.
It was the final match at Lansdowne Road for some time while it gets redeveloped, the side will play their games at Croke Park until they can move back.