Keane secures Irish victory

Robbie Keane
12 April 2012

Robbie Keane scored his 49th international goal to earn the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 win over Scotland in the Carling Nations Cup decider in Dublin.

The prolific veteran finished off a quick counter-attack in the 23rd minute to equal the British Isles goalscoring record of England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

Shay Given had earlier produced a brilliant save to prevent Phil Bardsley giving Scotland the lead while Kenny Miller, who also felt he was denied a penalty, missed a good late chance.

Scotland created the best of the chances early on. Charlie Adam raced onto a Scott Brown pass before unleashing a powerful shot that dipped just over.

Bardsley then tried his luck with an effort from distance that was touched onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Given.

But it was the hosts who surged into the lead after 24 minutes when Keane collected from Paul McShane on the halfway line before bearing down on goal and slotting home from the edge of the area past goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who should have done better.

Ireland should have doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Stephen Hunt's free-kick found Simon Cox in plenty of space and he should have found the target but fired across the face of goal and wide instead.

James Forrest could have marked his debut with a goal - and sparked a Scotland comeback - when he met Barry Robson's cross from the right, only to connect awkwardly and fire wide of the upright from close range.

Miller clearly felt he should have been given a penalty after being held back in the box by Hunt but succeeded only in earning himself a yellow card after racing furiously across the pitch to confront Welsh referee Mark Whitby.

He then squandered a great opportunity when he shrugged off Stephen Kelly only to shoot wide when it looked so much easier to hit the target.

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