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Robbie

The Magnificent Seven: Robbie's greatest hits

As Robbie Keane gets ready for a six-week stint in the Midlands, this week’s Magnificent Seven looks back at seven of his most memorable goals.

7. LA Galaxy v Real Salt Lake (November 2011)

A DEBUT GOAL against the San Jose Earthquakes helped Robbie settle down in sunny California and he lived up to that early promise by chipping in a couple more as the Galaxy won their third MLS Cup. The pick of his time in America so far came in the Western Conference final against Real Salt Lake, a fine solo effort in which he turned his marker inside out before rifling a shot into the bottom corner. Still got it, baby.

YouTube Credit:johndelaneyfai

6. Wolves v Barnet (August 1998)

Meet Robbie Keane, aged 18. Around the time that he was having dreams of signing for every club under the sun, Keane was banging them in at quite a prolific rate for Wolves. Barnet may not have been the most formidable opponents but Keane’s cheeky scoop made it pretty clear that this kid was brimming with self-confidence.

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YouTube Credit: CadenWolves

5. Holland v Republic of Ireland (June 2004)

Ireland’s 1-0 win against Holland in June 2004 is hardly the most significant meeting between the two countries. But while the win has been relegated to the status of historical footnote, Keane’s brilliant winner deserves to remain front and centre. There was still plenty of work to do when he picked up the ball deep inside his own half but a burst of pace left the retreating Dutch defence scrambling to recover. By the time they had, Keane’s 20-yarder was nestling in the back of the net.

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YouTube Credit: rooney2cantona

4. Celtic v Kilmarnock (March 2010)

Neil Lennon’s first game in charge of Celtic was made considerably less stressful by Keane who, anxious to impress the new boss, bullied his way to a brace against Kilmarnock. His first that day was a masterclass in strength and close control as he bounced off one challenge on the edge of the box and evaded a second with a nutmeg before applying a deft touch to lift the ball over Killie keeper Cameron Bell.

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YouTube Credit: liambhoy31

3. France v Republic of Ireland (November 2009)

We all know how the story of Ireland’s one night in Paris ends but for one exhilarating hour, a nation dared to dream and a place at the 2010 World Cup was so close that we could hardly breathe. Keane’s first-half goal was by no means the best of his career, but it was vintage Robbie. He knew where the space was, he knew when to drop off into it and, when the ball was finally laid back to him, he knew exactly where to put it.

YouTube Credit: xanopl

2. Arsenal v Liverpool (December 2008)

Liverpool fans don’t have too many fond memories of Robbie’s short stay on Merseyside; in fact, his outrageous half-volley at the Emirates is probably the only one. It was Robbie at his opportunistic best, displaying perfect training ground technique to turn an aimless defensive hoof into a quite brilliant goal.

YouTube Credit: xEliteExperienceHD

1. Germany v Republic of Ireland (June 2002)

Of course this is number one; it still gives us goosebumps to think about it, never mind watch it. Of his 53 international goals to date, this is the one which will define Robbie’s brilliant career in green. Pure class.

YouTube Credit: rooney2cantona

Read more of the Magnificent Seven series here >

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