Great World Cup moments No10

It's unlikely David O'Leary would have been high on Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton's list of potential World Cup heroes when his squad left for Italia '90 and their first appearance in the finals.

O'Leary was rarely in the Republic's starting line-up, but the Arsenal defender had the opportunity to prove his worth when he stepped up to take a crucial penalty in Genoa.

His side had already beaten all expectations by reaching the second round, where they ground out a 0-0 draw with Romania. Then with the score 4-4 in the penalty shoot-out, O'Leary stepped up for his spot-kick with the chance to send Ireland through to the last eight.

Only on as an extra-time substitute, O'Leary showed his experience by calmly slotting home the spot-kick and he was instantly submerged under a pile of jubilant Irish players.

Ireland lost 1-0 to Italy in the quarter-finals and this time O'Leary didn't even make it off the substitutes' bench. But they were all heroes in the eyes of the Irish public and returned to a raptuous reception in Dublin.

O'Leary went on to play a record number of games for Arsenal before joining Leeds, where he ended his playing career. A short spell as George Graham's No2 at the club ended when his boss left for Tottenham and O'Leary became manager at Elland Road.

There are only 36 days to go until the real thing kicks off and Standard Sport will continue its countdown with a daily series of famous moments from the 72-year history of the tournament, ranging from the great and the controversial to the downright miserable.

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