WHISPERS OF PARIS bring back many memories for Irish soccer fans, some good and some not so much.
As for 2009, don’t even go there.
One thing about Paris is that the Boys in Green always seem to put on an impressive display in the French capital.
As excitement builds for tomorrow’s Euro 2016 opener against Sweden, we look at some of these standout matches.
1966 World Cup play-off (v Spain, November 1965)
After both teams won their home fixtures in the qualification group, a place at the 1966 World Cup in England was set to be decided by a third match at a neutral venue. After negotiations, both sides decided on Paris as a compromise.
Ireland reportedly agreed on Paris in exchange for Spain’s share of the gate receipts. This understandably caused uproar as it meant a very small Irish crowd, as well as more complicated travel arrangements for players. Of the almost 36,000 crowd that were present at Parc des Princes, it was estimated that over 30,000 of those were Spanish fans.
On the night when Eamon Dunphy made his debut in green, it was a José Ufarte goal towards the end of the match that guaranteed Spain a World Cup place in England the following summer.
Irish players and fans felt extremely hard done by because of the match being played in Paris. Spain could have been beaten and with increased Irish support in Wembley, or at another English venue, Ireland may have won and qualified for the 1966 World Cup.
The play-off has gone down in history as one of the darkest days in Irish soccer.
2006 World Cup qualifier (v France, October 2004)
Despite the scoreline reading 0-0, this is one match that Ireland dominated and were unlucky to come away with less than three points.
On a positive run of results, with Roy Keane back and France struggling, Ireland’s performance was elevated by the huge support present.
Each player in a green shirt put in a Trojan shift, and for periods of the game they were the better team. Kevin Kilbane was the pick of the Boys in Green, monitoring midfield and ensuring that Ireland stayed on top of a French side that were liable to do anything. They may have won had Robbie Keane or John O’Shea had taken chances in the second half.
2010 World Cup play-off (v France, November 2009)
Will we ever forget this one? Thierry Henry and his meddling left hand – need more be said?
After a 1-0 loss in Croke Park, Giovanni Trapattoni and his troops headed for the second leg in the French capital with a point to prove. Ireland put in a hugely impressive performance from the get-go; one of of their best, if not their best, of the entire qualifying campaign.
Robbie Keane cancelled out the French away goal on 33 minutes, but throughout the second half, Ireland couldn’t take control of the tie and secure their place in the South Africa World Cup.
Extra-time broke the hearts of Irish fans and players alike. A free-kick with a blatant offside offence in the Irish penalty area, followed by Thierry Henry using his hand twice to keep the ball in play before crossing it to William Gallas who found the back of the Irish net.
Devastation. There’s no other word.
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