Credit: © BPI / Michael Zemanek
1. World Cup 1966 – Spain 1-0 Ireland, Paris
Ireland’s first involvement in play offs was a one-off game in Paris in November 1965. Ireland and Spain were the only two teams in a qualifying group. After a 1-0 win at Dalymount Park, Ireland suffered a 4-1 defeat in Seville. As goal difference or aggregate scores did not apply at that time, a playoff was required to separate the sides.
The game could have been played in London, which would have been a huge benefit because of the masses of Irish fans living there, however the FAI agreed a deal to play in Paris and to take Spain’s share of the gate receipts. The players were furious, believing that this had robbed them of an advantage. Despite a gallant Irish performance, a Spanish goal eleven minutes from time meant that Ireland failed to qualify for the 1966 World Cup in England. The game was Eamon Dunphy’s debut for Ireland, and he still rues his missed chance of playing on the biggest stage of all.
2. Euro 1996 – Netherlands 2-0 Ireland, Anfield
Jack Charlton’s last game in charge, and the task at hand was simply too great for Ireland, as this wonderful team neared the end of its cycle. Ireland were missing key players, with Steve Staunton and Roy Keane ruled out through injury and Niall Quinn suspended. The Dutch on the other hand were a formidable side, containing stars such as van der Sar, Davids, Seedorf, and Bergkamp. A goal in each half from Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert meant that Ireland would not qualify for Euro ’96.
It may not have been official before the game that Jack would be leaving his role as Ireland Manager, but there was a feeling amongst fans that this defeat would be his swansong. It was an emotional occasion and the fans gave the great man a fitting send-off full of adulation.
96 Charlton (Credit – irishmirror.ie).webp
3. World Cup 1998 – Belgium 3-2 Ireland (Aggregate)
Ireland’s hopes of a third consecutive appearance at the World Cup finals were dashed as with Mick McCarthy in charge, Ireland missed out on qualification for France ’98. The first leg finished 1-1 at Lansdowne Road, Denis Irwin scoring Ireland’s goal from a free kick. In the second leg Belgium took the lead through striker Luis Oliveira.
Ireland equalised 13 minutes into the second half through a headed goal by Ray Houghton, but then Belgium regained the lead in the 68th minute from a goal by Luc Nilis. Hope for Ireland disappeared completely when David Connolly was sent off for kicking out at Gert Verheyen.
4. Euro 2000 – Turkey 1-1 Ireland (Turkey qualify on Away Goals)
A fourth play-off, and more heartache. Ireland ended up in the play offs for Euro 2000 after a late equaliser by Macedonia in the final qualifying game in Skopje. Ireland met a Turkey team who were on the rise and would go to the semi finals of World Cup 2002. In Dublin Ireland drew the game 1-1. Robbie Keane got Ireland’s goal, but Turkey scored a crucial away goal late in the game with a penalty by Tayfun Korkut, after Lee Carsley had handled in the penalty area. In the return leg in Turkey, Ireland faced an extremely hostile atmosphere.
The goal conceded in Dublin proved to be decisive as a 0-0 draw meant that Ireland would again miss out on a major tournament. There were also ugly scenes after the final whistle as Tony Cascarino was involved in a melee and players were escorted off the pitch by riot police.
00 Cascarino (Credit – newstalk.com).jpg
5. World Cup 2002 – Ireland 2-1 Iran (Aggregate)
After navigating a tough qualifying group which contained both the Netherlands and Portugal, Iran stood between Ireland and their participation at World Cup 2002 in Japan and South Korea. Ireland took a hugely important 2-0 lead into the second leg after goals from Robbie Keane and Ian Harte in Dublin. In the return game in Tehran a narrow 1-0 defeat for Ireland was enough to secure their place at the next year’s World Cup Finals.
Despite the absence of Roy Keane, Ireland produced a professional performance in an intimidating arena. A slip in concentration in injury time meant that Yahya Golmohammadi headed Iran’s goal. But it was too little, too late. Ireland progressed to World Cup 2002 – and we all know what happened next on a tiny island in the Pacific!
6. World Cup 2010 – France 2-1 Ireland (Aggregate)
With Giovanni Trappatoni in charge, Ireland suffered the cruellest of defeats as famously (or rather infamously) Thierry Henry clearly handled before playing the ball for William Gallas to score the equaliser which saw France win 2-1 on aggregate. In the run up to the play off, FIFA changed the rules meaning that the draw would be seeded, instead of an open draw. Ireland may have felt a sense of injustice, but of course, worse was to follow!
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat in Dublin, Ireland were superb in Paris. They took the lead after 33 minutes when Robbie Keane shot past Hugo Lloris. But Ireland went out on aggregate after the controversial extra time winner. Debate raged about the goal that took France to the 2010 finals in South Africa. About how the officials failed to spot such a blatant handball and how Ireland were unfairly treated in comparison to a so-called bigger nation. It also ignited the debate about video technology being introduced into football.
09 France (Credit – goal.com).jpg
7. Euro 2012 – Ireland 5-1 Estonia (Aggregate)
After a qualifying campaign that is fondly remembered for Richard Dunne’s “Iron Curtain” display in Moscow, Ireland received a favourable draw in the play offs against Estonia. In the first leg Ireland blew the Estonians away, winning 4-0. Keith Andrews rose to head in a 13th minute opener and then Estonian defender Andrei Stephanov was sent off for a second yellow card.
Jonathan Walters nodded in a second and then Robbie Keane made it 3-0. Estonia were down to nine men when Raio Piiroja was dismissed before Keane got the fourth with a late penalty. A carnival atmosphere greeted the players at the return leg at Lansdowne Road as a Stephen Ward goal put Ireland in front before Vassiljev equalised. No matter, as Ireland progressed to Euro 2012 amidst jubilant scenes.
12 Estonia (Credit – RTE Online).webp
8. Euro 2016 – Ireland 3-1 Bosnia (Aggregate)
With the Euros expanded to 24 teams, Ireland made the play-offs despite finishing third in their qualifying group, behind Germany and Poland. The campaign had featured the famous 1-0 win over Germany in Dublin courtesy of Shane Long’s belter of a goal. The first leg was a real pea souper, played in thick fog in Zenica. Ireland looked to have snatched victory when Robbie Brady hit a precious away goal on 82 minutes.
But Edin Dzeko levelled three minutes later to leave the play-off in the balance going into the second leg. In Dublin Jonathan Walters scored twice (with a penalty and a volley) to propel Ireland to Euro 2016 in France. The scenes were euphoric as Ireland fans partied long into the night.
9. World Cup 2018 – Denmark 5-1 Ireland (Aggregate)
After a campaign that included big away wins against Wales and Austria, hopes were high of progression for Martin O’Neill’s men after a creditable 0-0 draw in Copenhagen in the first leg. In the second leg Ireland fans were in ecstasy after Shane Duffy put Ireland 1-0 up after only six minutes. We were dreaming of a trip to Russia for World Cup 2018, before an epic collapse ensued.
After Cyrus Christie’s own goal, Christian Eriksen was sensational as he scored a hat trick to break Irish hearts. O’Neill made changes at half time to try to rescue the situation but his side were sapped of confidence and vulnerable on the break. Nicklas Bendtner twisted the knife as he scored a late penalty to make it 5-1 and leave Ireland fans shellshocked. This one hurt. Badly.
Next week we take part in our tenth play off duel. This time against Bulgaria in Plovdiv and Dublin with Ireland playing to preserve their place in Nations League B.