Carling Nations Cup, February 2011 – Ireland 3 Wales 0
The late Gary Speed’s first game in charge of his native country took place at the Carling Nations Cup tournament at the Aviva Stadium in February 2011.
Giovanni Trapattoni handed debuts to Seamus Coleman and Ciaran Clark whilst also selecting Darron Gibson ahead of Paul Green in midfield.
A paltry attendance witnessed a scoreless first half in which Wales’ experimental 4-3-3 formation frustrated Ireland’s attack for long periods until Darron Gibson’s first international goal broke the deadlock on the hour.
Damien Duff doubled Ireland’s advantage shortly afterwards before a wonderful Keith Fahey free kick wrapped up a straightforward 3-0 victory.
European Championships Qualifier, March 2007 – Ireland 1 Wales 0
Stephen Ireland scores. Credit: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan
Ireland were drawn in Group D for the 2008 European Championship qualifiers alongside the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Wales, Cyprus and San Marino.
Steve Staunton’s tenure as Irish manager had begun in torrid fashion with an embarrassing 5-2 defeat in Cyprus before a 94th minute Stephen Ireland winner earned Ireland an undeserved 2-1 victory away to San Marino.
Croke Park was the venue for a crunch encounter with John Toshack’s Wales on March 24th due to Lansdowne Road’s redevelopment. Stephen Ireland came up trumps once again by netting the only goal of a dour encounter on an historic afternoon as the Republic completed their first ever soccer international at GAA headquarters.
Watch the goal:
YouTube credit: sp1873
European Championships Qualifier, November 2007 – Wales 2 Rep. of Ireland 2
Steve Finnan and Joe Ledley. Credit: INPHO/Donall Farmer
The FAI’s patience finally with Steve Staunton ran out following a humiliating 1-1 qualifier draw at home to Cyprus in October 2007 with Steve Finnan’s 92nd minute equaliser rescuing a draw from the jaws of defeat.
Former international striker Don Givens was handed the managerial reins whilst John Delaney and his committee decided upon Ireland’s next manager when the Republic travelled to Cardiff to complete their qualification fixture list.
Despite any hope of catching the already qualified Czech Republic and Germany, Ireland entered the November encounter intent on securing third place in the group and improving their UEFA coefficient ahead of the 2010 World cup qualifiers.
Jason Koumas headed the Welsh in front from a Joe Ledley cross after 23 minutes before Ireland staged an impressive fight back to push 2-1 ahead. Kevin Doyle released Robbie Keane in behind the Welsh defence and Ireland’s record goal scorer coolly chipped Wayne Hennessey to bring parity to the score.
Kevin Doyle flicked home Ireland’s second on the hour but an 89th minute Koumas penalty earned Wales a 2-2 draw and deserved share of the spoils.
Friendly, February 1993 – Ireland 2 Wales 1
Ireland’s first international outing of 1993 was a home friendly against Terry Yorath’s Wales and arrived hot on the heels of two excellent 0-0 World Cup qualifying draws away to Denmark and Spain the previous year.
The match took place in Tolka Park served as a handy warm-up for Charlton before the following month’s USA 94’ qualifier clash at home to Northern Ireland at Lansdowne Road which the Republic comfortably won 3-0.
Charlton’s midfield consisted of Alan McLoughlin, Eddie McGoldrick, Liam O’Brien and Roy Keane with David Kelly, Tony Cascarino and John Byrne featuring up front. Yorath field a strong side inlcuding Mrk Hughes, Neville Southall, Gary Speed and David Phillips with former Barcelona and Manchester United striker Hughes opening the scoring on 18 minutes.
Despite a raft of substitutions, Ireland fought and equalised through Kevin Sheedy before an 81st minute Tommy Coyne effort cemented a 2-1 victory for the home side.
Friendly, March 1986 – Ireland 0 Wales 1
The FAI’s failed attempts to secure the signature of legendary Liverpool figure Bob Paisley resulted in former Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United manager Jack Charlton taking over the Irish job in 1986.
Charlton’s first game in charge of the Republic of Ireland was a friendly international against Wales on March 26th of that year with Mike England bringing a full-strength Welsh squad over to Lansdowne road in front of 16,500 expectant supporters.
The first Irish side ever picked by Jack Charlton lined out with Gerry Peyton in goal, Dave Langan, David O’Leary, John Anderson and Jim Beglin at the back, Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, Liam Brady and Paul McGrath in midfield supporting Michael Robinson and John Aldridge up front.
Mick McCarthy and Pat Byrne were introduced from the bench but a 17th minute Ian Rush strike proved the difference between the sides leaving Irish fans scratching their heads at Charlton’s appointment.
Follow Ger McCarthy on Twitter: @germccarthy74
