It is almost 21 years ago since the Republic of Ireland headed to Portugal for a World Cup qualifier.

Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz was the venue back in October 2000 as Mick McCarthy’s Boys in Green battled for qualification to the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

A month before, Ireland had led 2-0 against Holland in Amsterdam through goals from Robbie Keane and Jason McAteer only for the Dutch to fight back late on to draw the game 2-2. So, the prospect of heading of claiming points in Portugal would certainly be no easy feat.

Roy Keane, Luis Figo, Robbie Keane, Rui Costa were just some of the headline acts on show as Ireland drew 1-1 against Os Navegadores

But it would be another man who stole the headlines that night in Lisbon after netting his first goal for Ireland with a stunning strike that sent 12,000 travelling fans delirious.

Matt Holland, then of Ipswich Town, was the toast of the Irish supporters when he struck from 25 yard out to draw Ireland level after Sergio Conceição gave the hosts the lead.

Reflecting on the game Holland said: “We knew we were up against a very good team, especially when you see some of the names on the team sheet you’re facing.

“There was a bit of disappointment after the Holland game because we were 2-0 up and we drew 2-2. But it was the opposite against Portugal because we probably got away with one as they had the majority of it and pushed us back quite a bit.

“As for the goal – it wasn’t bad! I came on at half time with the job to sit in front of the back four to allow Roy (Keane) and Mark Kinsella to get tighter in midfield. But those instructions went out the window when we went behind.

“When I picked the ball up, I was looking at options to see if I can cross it or pass it but there was no-one near me and I took a touch, then another touch, then another touch and all of sudden I’m 25 yards from goal and think ‘well, the best option is to have a shot’. Fortunately, it went in.”

Holland had only played on four previous occasions before he found the net in a green jersey and he would go on to earn 49 caps for Ireland.

He revealed the goal was what truly made him feel a part of the Irish team. He explained: ‘It was quite early on in my Ireland career. It was a decent goal and an important goal. It’s nice to score, don’t get me wrong, but if it’s in a game where you win 5-0 it’s different to scoring a goal of that magnitude in a game like that.

“It was a massive moment for me. Of course, I have that goal in the World Cup against Cameroon but this goal is right up there.

“The feeling I had after the Portugal game was one of euphoria and I’ve seen pictures of me after and I am beaming.

“Those sort of moments live with you forever and the buzz around the place afterwards and the feeling you contributing to that buzz and you feel great for the lads that you have contributed to the team.”

Team line-ups
Portugal: Quim, Costa, Couto, Beto, Dimas (Capucho, 88), Figo, Rui Costa, Conceicao, Vidigal, Pinto (Simao, 77), Sa Pinto (Pauleta, 77).
Republic of Ireland: A. Kelly, Carr, Breen, Dunne, Harte, McAteer (Duff, 69), Kinsella, Roy Keane, Kilbane, Robbie Keane (Finnan, 84), Quinn (Holland, 46).