The qualification process got off to a good start as Ireland took all three points from Cyprus with a 3-0 victory. Robbie Keane also equaled Nia1l Quinn’s goal scoring record of 21 goals, which coincidentally was also achieved against Cyprus in Lansdowne Road. The result did not reflect the total domination by Ireland and a scoreline of 6-0 would have been more representative of the game.

Kilbane went close with an early header before Morrison was taken down on the edge of the penalty box. Robbie Keane stood over the free kick but his effort was straight into the wall.

Morrison then spurned two great chances to open his account as he first missed the target with a header following Reid’s cross. After 22 minutes Reid once again played the ball to Morrison who was unable to beat the keeper.

Cyprus struggled to get going and were completely overrun by the Irish. The only real impression they made early in the game in the first 23 minutes was the booking of Lambrou and Charalambidis.

On 26 minutes Panagiotou once again saved from Morrison who had a header from the back post.

Just after the half hour Duff's left-wing cross was met by Morrisson who powerfully headed the ball past the keeper. After 33 minutes Morrison scored his first in goal in 12 games for Ireland and ended a 747 (a jumbo!) minute goal drought! Ironically this was the most difficult chance he had so far in the game.

Within another five minutes Ireland had doubled the lead with a cracking goal from Andy Reid. He collected a short pass on the right wing, cut inside and from 30 metres out curled a rasping shot past the goalkeeper, creating something from nothing and scoring his second international goal in two games.

After the restart Morrison had another chance but fired high and wide! The Irish midfield dominated the centre of the park with Kavanagh and Kilbane proving to be a competent central midfield combination, albeit against weak opposition. Reid and Duff were very effective in testing the Cypriot defence.

After 55 minutes Duff beat two defenders before charging into the box, only to be taken down by Theodotou. Keane immediately grabbed the ball and placed it on the spot. He made no mistake and drilled it into the bottom left-hand corner of the box while the keeper stayed rooted to the spot. His 21st goal in 53 games for the Republic and equaling Niall Quinn's international scoring record, however it took him 91 games.

Three one up and rather than running riot, the Irish took their foot off the pedal. With reduced pressure form Ireland Cyprus created their first real chance of the tie as Konstantinou ran through a lacklustre Irish defence before forcing a save from Given.

Duff then saw a volley saved at the far end after a good cross from Finnan and Lee forced another save from Panagiotou on 85 minutes.

Rep. Ireland - Given, Carr (Finnan 70 mins), O’Brien, Cunningham, O’Shea (Maybury 82 mins), Kilbane, Kavanagh, Andy Reid, Keane, Morrison (Lee 80 mins), Duff.

Cyprus - Panagiotou, Theodotou, Kakoyiannis, Okkarides, Lambrou, Charalambous (Ilia 65 mins), Charalambides (Michail 70 mins), Satsias, Makrides, Okkas (Krassas 77 mins), Michalis Konstantinou.

Referee: L Paniashvill (Georgia)