On this day in 1990, Ireland came to a standstill as the Boys in Green took on hosts Italy in the World Cup quarter-finals in Rome. Toto Schillaci’s only goal broke Irish hearts but as commentator Jimmy McGee said, all that was lost was a match. So much more was gained along the way.
Concept sketches and designs for the new Adidas X15 and Ace15 boots.
Bullish words from the Irish squad that we’re not out of the Euro 2016 race did little to comfort Irish supporters dealt a crushing blow by the failure to beat Scotland. There are still twists and turns to come but the Green Army are losing hope in the O’Neill/Keane miracle and asking bigger questions. Two weeks on, here’s ten talking points
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. The Carlsberg England World Cup advert ahead of last year’s tournament featured Jeff Stelling, Paddy McGuinness, and Ian Wright and perhaps in a nod to their near neighbours also borrowed George Hamilton’s most famous line.
On this day in 1990, Ireland defeated Romania in a penalty shoot-out to reach the quarter-finals of our first ever World Cup.
Many are calling him the greatest player of all time and he’s only just turned 28. While Lionel Messi rightfully claims football’s brightest spotlight today, the Argentine was waiting in the wings at the Nou Camp while Ronaldinho held centre stage. But ten years ago, he announced himself to the watching world.
The French master turns 43 today. From World Cup glory to infamy, Champions League wonder goals, to documentaries, Zizou is a legend of the game.
On this day in 1986, Diego Maradona scored two of the most talked about goals in World Cup history. The ‘Hand of God’ at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was followed by what many still consider to be the greatest goal of all time.
On this day in 1990, Niall Quinn’s equaliser from Packie Bonner’s long punt earned a draw with the Netherland’s to seal Ireland’s passage to the second round.
