For Ireland there was very little to celebrate at Euro 2012 but despite losing the game and coming last in their group one of the players had something to celebrate – a personal milestone.
Damien Duff won his 100th cap for Ireland last night against the Italians. The Dublin born winger made his debut in 1998 against the Czech Republic alongside Robbie Keane and has 8 international goals to his name. Arguably, Duff’s talent has never been tested to the max on the world stage despite successful club football. However, Duff caught the world’s attention in 2002 thanks to his World Cup display in 2002 at Korea and Japan.
The Irish supporters were left shocked and pondering their team’s prospects following Roy Keane’s dramatic exit from the tournament, before it had even started! Young Duff and Keane (Robbie) lifted the nation as their stunning displays captured the hearts and imagination of not only the Irish fans, but football fans throughout the world. Ireland played in a magnificent tournament and made it past the group stages. Unfortunately they painfully lost on penalties against Spain.