The Euro 2000 ualifying matches saw the Irish get off to a fine start in their opening matches against Croatia and Malta in Dublin as they swept to a 2-0 and 5-0 victories. respectively. In November 1998, they met the Yugoslavia in Belgrade and lost a tough match in a hostile atmosphere 1-0. After defeating Paraguay and Sweden in friendly matches, the Irish defeated Macedonia and Yugoslavia in Dublin and ualification at this point seemed a real possibility. The Irish however were crushed in September 1999 as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Croatia in Zagreb that was followed up by three consecutive draws against Macedonia and Turkey which ended hopes of ualification. In preparing for the world cup 2002 ualifiers, the Irish embarked on an enjoyable tour of America, drawing against Mexico and USA before winning the mini U.S tournament with a 2-1 win against South Africa.
The Irish started off their 2002 world cup ualification campaign in fine style, earning two away draws against the Dutch and Portugal. They took control of the group as they won their next four matches consecutively in 2001 against Andorra, Cyprus and Estonia respectively. They battled to a home draw against Portugal and won the remainder of their matches to finish second in the tough group, which included a fine 1-0 win in Dublin against Holland. They defeated Iran in a two legged play off final and won a place in the 2002 world cup finals. In preparing for the world cup they were high in confidence following victories over Denmark and Russia. They drew their opening match in the world cup against Cameroon, a fine goal coming by Matt Holland. A last minute Robbie Keane equalizer against Germany was followed by a fine 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia. They met Spain the second round, suffering a 3-2 defeat on penalties, ending their world cup hopes. The Irish side included Ian Harte, Gary Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Steven Reid.