Anderson: Irish class of 2002 were better

The Republic of Ireland rekindled memories of their eventful trip to the 2002 World Cup finals when they very nearly claimed the scalp of reigning champions Italy on Saturday evening.

But for substitute Alberto Gilardino’s last-gasp equaliser, Giovanni Trapattoni’s men would have closed to within a point of the Group 8 leaders and sent the holders into Wednesday night’s home clash with Cyprus knowing anything less than a victory could open the door for the Irish to snatch automatic qualification.