Seoul here we come!

Last Tuesday's mighty performance in Yokohama ensured an Irish invasion of Seoul.

T`was a beautiful day in Tokyo - the forecast warning rain come evening.

A visit to the Irish Village in Chiba was on the cards to collect match tickets and catch a glimpse of our heroes.

Unfortunately the team were miles away in Yokohama and the Irish village was deserted.

So it was off to Yokohama on the train packed with green, white and gold revellers, mostly Irish but there were some Japanese draped in tricolours.

Familiar faces from the other games, pre-match predictions exchanged whilst a Japanese lady duly painted shamrocks on willing faces.

"Niall Quinns disco pants are the best.." echoed throughout the carriage until the train pulled into Shin-Yokohama station.

News spread quickly that both France and Argentina were knocked out of the tournament - this World Cup has been full of surprises.

First glance at the stadium I was overwhelmed by its magnificant size - wow.

The grounds were surrounded by Irish fans drinking cans and having the craic.

At 8pm it was time to find our seats, a few rows behind the goal. I was practically sitting in Shay's net.

The roar of the crowd engulfed the stadium, again Irish fans outnumbering their opposing supporters 8 to 1.

The silence of the stadium was deafening while the national anthems blared - utmost respect held for the opposition's song.

The team were on a mission - two goals and we were through. Ireland had never scored more than once in any World Cup game so there was some serious striking needed.

Robbie Keane blasted one past the keeper - our saviour does it again!

At half time the we were reassured when news of the draw in the Germany v Cameroon game came in.

Come on lads!! One more goal and the tour continues.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric with the fans driving the team on.

I was being updated on all the action form the Germany game via mobile phone and relaying the latest news to the eager fans in my vicinity.

The second half brought with it two more goals from the boys in green and our fate was sealed.

The Irish were delirious but Korea played on everyone's mind: 'will I go ..won't I?' was the main topic on our trek back to Tokyo.

Most were happy to leave everything until the following day, a few were already on their mobiles to loved ones, work collegues and travel agents.

Post-match tradition ensured all the Irish headed straight to Paddy Foley's in Roppongi.

The streets surrounding the pub were crammed with smiling fans, singing and dancing to their hearts' content.

What a sight to behold, hundreds of grown men doing the actions to the `aru cha cha..` while "Singing in the rain".

In true Irish style it began to pour out of the heavens and slowly in the wee hours of Wednesday morning the green drowned rat brigade set off on their merry ways.

Many were heading for the airport to catch their flights to Seoul, others were waiting for travel agents to open for any word on availability.

Many of the Tokyo Ex-pats are making their way to Korea this weekend, even our very own Kermit the frog is making the trip.

No doubt the Irish will make their presence felt in Seoul and Tokyo won`t be the same without the Irish supporters, but, sure, they`ll be back to Yokohama for the final!!

The green army tour continues….Ole ole ole ole!!

Sayonara,

Carrie