Saipan: the film of an unwinnable match

29 January 2026, The Tablet

Legends: Steve Coogan and Éanna Hardwicke

A battle of wills on the eve of the World Cup

Saipan
DIRECTORS: GLENN LEYBURN AND LISA BARROS D’SA

It was an episode in football history that even fans of the Beautiful Game might describe as niche, but this film about a clash of personalities on the eve of the 2002 Fifa World Cup may leave many wanting more.

The incident – a row between Roy Keane, captain of Ireland and reputedly one of the best mid-fielders of all time, and the Irish manager Mick McCarthy – sparked hysterical media coverage, divided opinion and left Irish supporters grieving for what might have been.

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