From the vault: Day 2

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Italy (1994)

By Conor Hogan

The date was 18 June 1994, the place was Giants Stadium, New York.

With all the hysteria surrounding Ireland’s performance at Italia 90, it’s easy to forget that they didn’t actually win a single match at the tournament. In the final World Cup under the old two points for a win format, three draws were enough for Ireland to progress to the knockout stages, and the second round match against Romania was won on penalties.

Irelands first match of USA 94 was a repeat of their 1990 quarter final against Italy. Four years earlier, Italy were the victors, with a 1-0 scoreline. This time however, the result was reversed, and Ireland won their first World Cup match at the sixth time of asking thanks to an 11th minute wondergoal/fluke by Ray Houghton.

The rest of the tournament was a slight disappointment, as Aldridge & company struggled to cope with a summer heat wave. After a 2-1 loss to Mexico, came a dreadful scoreless draw against Norway.

This was enough for Ireland to get out of their tight group on goals scored, after all four teams ended up with the same points total and goal difference. They were then beaten 2-0 by Holland in the knockout stages while Italy eventually made the final, despite only getting out of the group as one of the best third place sides.

 

 

 

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