<P> For the 1998 qualification campaign, Ireland scraped into the playoffs largely due to Tony Cascarino's seven goals in ten games . They lost in the playoff against Belgium, drawing 1--1 in the first leg then losing 2--1 in the second leg . Although for next campaign Ireland were drawn with two big European nations, the Netherlands, Portugal . Ireland went the whole campaign unbeaten, beating the Netherlands 1--0 in the process courtesy of a Jason McAteer goal that helped Ireland qualify . </P> <P> At the start of the tournament, captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy where involved in a "bust up" and Keane was sent home . Despite this, McCarthy did not call up a replacement and continued with 22 players . Ireland drew in their first match against Cameroon and in their second match they drew again against the tournaments runner up Germany . In Ireland's final group match, they defeated Saudi Arabia, their second ever victory in a World Cup and progressed them to the round of 16 . Ireland met Spain and lost in penalty shootout . </P> <P> With failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, Ireland reached a playoff against France for a place at the 2010 World Cup . </P> <P> France's Thierry Henry's handball stirred international controversy after the move set up William Gallas to score in extra-time of the second leg of the playoff; the referee did not notice and allowed the goal to stand, leading to widespread media controversy, protests at the French embassy in Dublin and comments from senior government officials from both countries . </P>

Last time republic of ireland qualified for euros