June 07, 2013: World Cup 2014 Qualifier, Group C:
Ireland – Faroe Islands 3-0 (1-0)
05' 1-0 Robbie Keane
55' 2-0 Robbie Keane
81' 3-0 Robbie Keane
The Faroe Islands were an easy target for Ireland who got on winning ways within five minutes from the start of the match as Keane in centre of goal connected with a pass from Aiden McGeady to fire past Gunnar Nielsen from close range.
Ireland could have added to their scoring after 25 minutes when a free kick combination left Keane completely clear, but Nielsen spread to deny the forward this time. Nielsen denied Keane again after 33 minutes, tipping a hook from inside the penalty area over the bar.
Ireland then doubled their lead ten minutes through the second half when Séamus Coleman found a clear Keane in front of goal to make the easy finish.
The Faroes had their only attempt with a quarter of an hour remaining when a header from central defender Atli Gregersen landed on the roof of the net.
Robbie Keane, who today became the most capped player ever for Ireland in his 126th international, completed his hat trick on 80 minutes when James McClean’s made a pass from the by-line to Conor Sammon who turned to play Keane clear in the goal area for an easy tap-in. Keane’s 59th goal for Ireland.