DUBLIN (AFP) - The Republic of Ireland had Robbie Keane's 49th international goal to thank for a 1-0 win over Scotland that secured the inaugural Nations Cup here on Sunday night.
Veteran Keane, who bagged a brace in a 5-0 romp over Northern Ireland, scored midway through the opening period after taking a pass from Paul McShane and slotting the ball left-footed under Allan McGregor in the Scottish goal.
The goal from the former Tottenham and Inter Milan striker on 23 minutes equalled the British Isles goalscoring record set by England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
And the Spurs forward's effort also earned the hosts the cup in this revamped version of the old Home Internationals—minus England—which had previously seen both of Sunday's protagonists see off Wales and Northern Ireland with something to spare.
The Scots gave as good as they got but were unable to conjure an equaliser, skipper Kenny Miller denied a penalty when Stephen Hunt appeared to grab his arm in the box as he prepared to shoot.
Miller's protests earned him a yellow card.
Stephen Naismith then shot wide before Shay Given in the Irish goal blocked a Miller effort.
Given had earlier produced a brilliant save to prevent Phil Bardsley giving Scotland the lead.
Veteran Keane, who bagged a brace in a 5-0 romp over Northern Ireland, scored midway through the opening period after taking a pass from Paul McShane and slotting the ball left-footed under Allan McGregor in the Scottish goal.
The goal from the former Tottenham and Inter Milan striker on 23 minutes equalled the British Isles goalscoring record set by England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
And the Spurs forward's effort also earned the hosts the cup in this revamped version of the old Home Internationals—minus England—which had previously seen both of Sunday's protagonists see off Wales and Northern Ireland with something to spare.
The Scots gave as good as they got but were unable to conjure an equaliser, skipper Kenny Miller denied a penalty when Stephen Hunt appeared to grab his arm in the box as he prepared to shoot.
Miller's protests earned him a yellow card.
Stephen Naismith then shot wide before Shay Given in the Irish goal blocked a Miller effort.
Given had earlier produced a brilliant save to prevent Phil Bardsley giving Scotland the lead.
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