Marco Van Basten’s side inflicted the heaviest defeat Ireland have suffered on home soil for over forty years.  During which a new star was born, Klass Jan Huntelaar scored twice and is hotly tipped to replace Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the Dutch strike force.

Fielding a side weakened by injuries to Robbie Keane, Shay Given and Andy Reid, Steve Staunton would have hoped his luck would change following  his confrontation on Monday night with a gunman. The 42000 strong crowd also saw Chelsea winger add his name to the score sheet; the home humiliation was complete when Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie beat Paddy Kenny from outside the box.

The home side showed promise forcing a number of saves from Edwin Van Der Sar in the Dutch goal.