Fulham full-back Steve Finnan stepped off the bench to help steer the Republic of Ireland to the cusp of World Cup qualification after a remarkable 1-0 over the Netherlands at Lansdowne Road this afternoon.
Finnan supplied a superb cross that Jason McAteer swept past the former Notts County full back’s Fulham team-mate Edwin van der Sar. Ireland’s achievement was all the more incredible given that they were reduced to ten men when Leeds United’s Gary Kelly was dismissed for two yellow cards. Finnan replaced Robbie Keane as Mick McCarthy sought to shore things up defensively but he made a decisive contribution in opposition territory only ten minutes later.
The Irish back four held firm despite incessant Dutch pressure with Patrick Kluivert and Ruud van Nistelrooy missing late chances. McCarthy’s heroes are now just a win away from clinching a play-off place whilst still retaining an outside chance of pipping Portugal at the top of the group.
