They play with tremendous heart and don't try to be the next Brazil. I admire any team that is more than the sum of it's parts. They are a true team, Roy Keane bitches about training prior to the 2002 World Cup and he's cut from the team. Ireland's best player and captain was not above the rest - that's a true team. World Cup victory? That might be a bit ambitious, but I don't see any reason why they couldn't win the Euro. They are saavy enough to beat any German, Italian or (especially) English side on a given day.

great mix of youth and experience should ensure another few big tournaments.

Greater than the sum of their parts, Ireland will have a good next couple of World Cups.

Zidane didn't show and France went out. Batistuta didn't show and Argentina went out. Roy Keane didn't play, but Robbie Keane and Damian Duff brought brilliant play and a very creative style to do much better than anyone believed. They tied Germany - they can play with anyone.

without Roy Keane they are nothing

Who would have thought Ireland would get through their group after booting off their best player and national hero Roy Keane prior to the cup? Other team's with cancerous "superstars" should take note - sometimes your most talented player is not necessarily making you a better team.