A header from Robbie Keane after only five minutes was enough to give Republic of Ireland a 1-0 win over Cyprus in an evenly-matched European Zone, Group 8 qualifier for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ at Croke Park.

Keane extended his all-time scoring record for his country to 35 goals when he headed home from point-blank range, after Damien Duff set him up with a perfect cross from the right.

The victory kept the Irish second in the pool behind Italy, and went some way towards erasing the memory of their 5-2 defeat by Cyprus in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying.

However, Cyprus dominated the play for long periods after half-time, and squandered a great chance to equalise when Dimitris Christofi blasted over the bar from five metres out after goalkeeper Shay Given blocked a shot from Michael Constantinou.

Afterwards Kevin Doyle, who had a superb match for Ireland, told public broadcaster RTE that the win was hugely important for the side. “The win tonight was vital and we nearly scored a couple more. They could have got one at the end, so it was a very tough game and I delighted to win it.”

“They are a good side and we were wary of them and they had a couple of half chances. We had our chances to get more goals but we were probably a bit nervy, wanting to win our first game at home. We won and we are happy.”

Cyprus Angelo Anastasiadis was disappointed that his side didn’t get the point he felt they deserved. “We played well against a very experienced team and in the conditions with so many spectators around and the pressure they create we can be happy,” Anastasiadis said.

Popularity: 13% [?]