FIVE OTHER EMBARRASSING IRELAND RESULTS
CYPRUS 5 IRELAND 2
October 7, 2006 – Euro 2008 Qualifier Steve Staunton’s disastrous tenure as manager was over before it ever really began as Ireland were utterly humiliated in Cyprus. The defeat virtually ended their hopes of making it to Austria/Switzerland, while it also spelled the end of Staunton’s brief spell in charge.
Ireland: Kenny, Finnan, O’Shea, Andrew O’Brien (Lee 71), Dunne, Kilbane, McGeady (Alan O’Brien 80), Ireland (Douglas 83), Morrison, Keane, Duff. Goals: Ireland, Dunne.
IRELAND 1 GERMANY 6 October 12, 2012 – WC 2014 Qualifier
Giovanni Trapattoni (below) was somehow given a stay of execution despite Ireland falling to their heaviest-ever home defeat. Germany ruthlessly exposed their flaws to scupper Ireland’s chances of ending their 12-year wait to make it back to the World Cup. Ireland: Westwood, Coleman, O’Shea, O’Dea, Ward, McGeady (Keogh 69), McCarthy, Andrews, Fahey (Long 51), Cox (Brady 83), Walters. Goal: Keogh.
IRELAND 1 DENMARK 4 November 13, 1985 – WC 1986 Qualifier
Just like Tuesday night, a dream start 32 years ago quickly descended into a nightmare as Eoin Hand’s reign ended in front of one of the lowest ever attendance at Lansdowne Road came to an abrupt end. Hand’s departure would pave the way for Jack Charlton (right) to turn the country’s fortunes around. Ireland: McDonagh, Lawrenson, Moran, O’Leary, McGrath, Beglin, Brady, Grealish (Byrne 30), Sheedy (Robinson 58), Cascarino, Stapleton. Goal: Stapleton
LIECHTENSTEIN 0 IRELAND 0 June 3, 1995 – Euro 1996 Qualifier
37 shots on goal, yet Ireland could not find a way to break their resistance. Liechtenstein celebrated the goalless draw as one of the country’s most famous results and well they might as the qualifying campaign was their first time competing in a UEFA competition. For Ireland, it was and still is, one of their most embarrassing results.
Ireland: A Kelly, G Kelly, Babb, McGrath, Irwin, Whelan, McAteer (Kenna 71), Aldridge, Quinn (Cascarino 59), Sheridan, Staunton.
MACEDONIA 3 IRELAND 2 April2, 1997 – WC 1998 Qualifier
One of Mick McCarthy’s lowest points as manager, especially considering Macedonia’s only previous wins in their six years as an international side had been against Liechtenstein and Cyprus. The result would condemn Ireland to second place in the group before another World Cup dream was ended by Belgium in a play-off.
Ireland: A Kelly, Irwin, Breen, Staunton, Phelan (Harte 56), McAteer, Townsend, R Keane, McLoughlin, Goodman, Cascarino (O’Neill 46) (D Kelly 76). Goals: McLoughlin, Kelly