World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Jun 7, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Rep. Ireland Republic of Ireland
3-0
Faroe Islands

Robbie Keane marks record-breaking appearance with hat-trick

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter

Published: June 7 2013 | 21:42

Last updated: June 8 2013 | 11:22

Robbie Keane scores a hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland in his record-breaking 126th game as they beat the Faroe Islands in their Group C World Cup qualifying clash.

Robbie Keane marked his record-breaking 126th cap for the Republic of Ireland with a hat-trick for his side as they beat Faroe Islands in their Group C World Cup qualifying clash.

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane celebrates after scoring against the Faroe Islands on June 7, 2013 © PA Photos

Giovanni Trapattoni's side were ahead in the fifth minute as Aiden McGeady raided down the left and crossed for the 32-year-old who glanced the ball with his left foot into the bottom corner.

Keane had the chance to double his tally for the evening when a loose ball from a free kick fell into his path but he wasn't able to lift the ball over the visitors' keeper Gunnar Nielsen.

The striker was causing the away side all sorts of problems and nearly got Ireland's second goal as he controlled McGeady's cross from the left and fired at goal but Nielsen tipped it over the bar.

After the break, Keane did get his second on the night as he tapped the ball in from close range after Wes Hoolahan and Seamus Coleman had done well on the right to dig out a cross into the penalty area.

The 32-year-old wrapped up his hat-trick in the 80th minute again from inside the six-yard box as placed Connor Sammon's low cross into the bottom corner to seal the win for his side and to mark his record-breaking appearance in style.