Almost five years on, the fall-out from Ireland's humiliation in Nicosia seems to go on. That galling 5-2 hammering at the hands of Cyprus signaled the end of the international road for three of the starters that night. Clinton Morrison has only appeared once in a 40-man provisional squad since, whilst sliding down the divisions in England, currently scoring occasionally at League One Sheffield Wednesday.

Valentine's Day 2011 saw an announcement anticipated but met with sorrow around the football world and mourned with open grief in his native Brazil. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima stated at a hastily arranged press conference in Sao Paolo that he was retiring from the sport. The 34-year-old was clearly distraught and broke down several times as he explained the reason he can no play longer the game so dear to him.