They came from all four corners of the globe, rushed travel arrangements and no cost spared to cheer on their beloved boys in green.

An eighth-minute goal by Spain’s Morientes left us stunned but the Irish were revitalised with a rousing chorus of "Come on you boys in green".

We commanded the game, played the best football in Irish history but even though the players seemed possessed with sheer drive and determination the ball just wouldn’t go in.

A pity for Stan Staunton who had to be taken off during the second half, his last game in an Ireland shirt before hanging up his boots and making way for the younger generation.

Niall Quinn comes on, his last chance wearing his infamous disco pants.

After Ian Hartes misses the first peno - ohh no - Robbie Keane confidently smashes another penalty past the keeper in the dying minutes of the second half.

Sighs of relief cross the stadium, next phase sudden death.

We played the Spaniards off the pitch, we deserved to be already through the last eight, but this tournament placed one more hurdle in our path.

We had no doubts about advancing, the hurdle being the `Golden Goal`. The boys played with such

courage and diligence til the bitter end - the least we deserved was a goal.

But it never came. Irish football, where the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs.

Now it was nail-biting penalties - we all know what happened. No fault lies with the missed penalty takers - they should be proud of their immense achievement.

Poor Mattie Holland, he shone throughout the World Cup.

It just wasn`t our night. Our Asian adventure had abruptly ended in the cruellest of ways.

As always, the Irish were dignified in their defeat and held their heads high as they did their last lap of the 2002 World Cup to show their appreciation to the Irish supporters.

"Walk on..Walk on.." echoed from Suwon stadium in the most emotional farewell of the tournament so far. Players and fans disheartened but in true Irish tradition,

Seoul was alight til the wee hours of Monday morning with the team and supporters joining for a

last sessiun in Buck Mulligans.

Liam Given (Shay's brother) summed it up: "We had an amazing night with the team and the fans. And one that I'll never forget."

And I think left us all walking away from the evening with happiness in our hearts over the incalcuble success of this team in World Cup Korea/Japan 2002, rather than some disappointment on the evening that I'm sure the whole country has already put behind them.

A heroes’ welcome awaits in the Emerald Isle.

Ireland will greet their heroes with open arms. As they say in Japan - 'Okaerinasai' - Welcome home.