If they beat Saudi Arabia in the final group game next Tuesday, they will
have beaten the three points Jack Charlton's boys got in Italia '90.
They will have even beaten the four points earned in the United States eight years ago.
The Republic have a real chance now and it was given to them by Robbie Keane, the
player who came so close to a winner against Cameroon.
The magnificent Irish support, present in Niigata for that game, was out in
force again, high-spirited and full of optimistic expectation.
Outside the Kashima Stadium, they saw a statue of Brazilian legend Zico, an
idol in these parts as he played for and coached the local J-League club
The Republic of Ireland side do not possess anyone of that world class
standing, but the supporters in green were hoping for another committed team
If the strength of McCarthy's ''all for one'' side was indeed greater
than the sum of its parts, now was the time to show it.
Because they do not come any bigger than this, Ireland's first competitive
fixture against the awesome Germans.
Germany took early control thanks to Miroslav Klose, who had headed a
hat-trick against Saudi Arabia in Germany's opening game.
It was another header this time, beating an exposed Shay Given in the 19th
But Ireland produced several reminders that the German defence could be
A Duff run, a Matt Holland shot and an attempted overhead by Keane
were reminders that Germany's defence could be breached.
An outstanding save by Kahn denied Duff early in the second half, but it saw the Irish
spirits rise again.
''Come on your boys in green'' sang the fans.
Then, at the other end Carsten Jancker missed a great chance.
If he had
scored, it would surely have been curtains for the Republic.
They had never scored more than one goal in their 11 previous games at World
Game number 12 also brought just one goal. But it was a precious one.
One which Republic of Ireland fans will celebrate with typical gusto.
They wanted to stay on, but after repeated ''please leave the stadium
announcements'' and some gentle ushering by the police, they headed off to
raise a glass to the boys in green.
The bars in Tokyo are assured of record takings.