Romario’s
refusal to participate in the 2001 Copa America.
Consequence:
After
his appointment as Brazil Manager in the summer of 2001, Luiz Felipe Scolari
was intent on including Romario in his plans and in fact selected him in his
very first match (July 1, 2001, WC Qualifier, Uruguay 1-Brazil 0).
However,
Scolari saw Romario’s refusal to participate in the 2001 Copa America in
Colombia in the same month as an act of betrayal and he was out of his plans
and the 2002 World Cup for good.
Photo
From: World Soccer, May 2002
(Romario)
Photo
From: World Soccer, May 2002
(Luiz
Felipe Scolari)
2- Event:
Eike
Immel refusing a National Team call-up in the Fall of 1988.
Consequence:
Eike
Immel was West Germany’s starting goalkeeper in the post 1986 World Cup era
into the 1988 Euros on home soil. However, after the Tournament, West Germany
Manager Franz Beckenbauer sought to impose the younger Bodo Illgner as his
number one. He still wanted to retain Immel in the set-up. However, Immel’s
refusal for a call-up in a friendly vs. USSR in September 1988 effectively
ended his International career.
Photo
From: Fussball Magazin, Issue 8, August 1986
(Eike
Immel)
3- Event:
Luc
Nilis’ injury early in the 2000/01 season.
Consequence:
Belgian forward Luc Nilis had joined Aston Villa in the summer of
2000. However, in just his third League match (September 9, 2000, Ipswich
1-Aston Villa 2), he was injured in a collision with Ipswich goalkeeper Richard
Wright.
Nilis
suffered a double compound fracture of his right shin. His career was over and
he was forced to retire.
Photo
From: Calcio 2000, Issue 39, March 2001
(Luc
Nilis’ injury)
Photo
From: Wold Soccer, May 1996
(Luc
Nilis)
4- Event:
Marcio Santos’ performance in a friendly loss vs. Norway
in 1997.
Consequence:
Brazilian
defender Marcio Santos was a World Cup winner in 1994. In the summer of 1997,
Brazil were touring Europe as part of their World Cup preparations and had a
friendly vs. Norway at Oslo on May 30th, 1997.Marcio Santos’ poor performance in the (2-4)
loss would seal his fate and end his Brazil career and he never played again
for the National Team. Brazil Manager Mario Zagallo would state that he should
not have picked for that match as he was clearly out of form at the time.
Photo
From: World Soccer, September 1995
(Marcio Santos)
5- Event:
David
O’Leary refusal to skip his vacationand join the Ireland squad in 1986.
Consequence:
In
late May 1986, Republic of Ireland were to tour Iceland in for a series of
friendlies. The newly appointed Manager Jackie Charlton saw this as a vital
test for his players. Arsenal’s David O’Leary had already booked his holidays
in advance and refused to alter his plans. Charlton would punish him and he was
out of the National Team set-up for the next few years and missed the 1988
Euros. They would eventually make peace in the Fall of 1988 and O’Leary would
be back in the squad.
The
Republic of Ireland started the qualification phase of the 1990 World Cup as
somewhat of favorites, after their positive displays during the 1988 UEFA
European Championships in West Germany.
Ever
Since taking over in 1986, Englishman and 1966 World Cup Winner, Jackie
Charlton had built a solid (though unspectacular) side that was now able to
hold its own with the continent’s best, after decades of disappointments and
near qualifications.
The
team was virtually made up of veterans from the English and Scottish Leagues.
There was no distinguishable star player on the team, it was as a collective
and direct approach that they grinded out results.
The
Republic were drawn in a group with their fellow Irish neighbors from the
North, Spain, Hungary and Malta.
While
Northern Ireland had been declining since the 1986 World Cup, Hungary were seen
as Ireland’s main obstacle in a group that Spain would likely qualify from.
The
Republic started its qualifiers on away soil vs. Northern Ireland at Belfast on
September 14th, 1988 (In fact, their first three qualifiers would be
away matches).
The
Irish were missing their starting goalkeeper Packie Bonner, who was
recuperating from surgery. Gerry Peyton started in his place and kept a clean
sheet in a typical scrappy British affair. Both teams had chances and the Republic
were satisfied in earning an away point in a difficult arena for them.
Photo
From: World Soccer, October 1989
(Michael O’Neill and Paul McGrath, September 14,
1988, World Cup Qualifier, Northern Ireland 0-Republic of Ireland 0)
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 3052, October 5, 2004
(Tony Cascarino, September 14, 1988, World Cup
Qualifier, Northern Ireland 0-Republic of Ireland 0)
In
between their next qualifier vs. Spain, they played a friendly vs. Tunisia in
October (4-0 win), in a match where Steve Staunton, the youngster from
Liverpool, made his International debut. Striker John Aldridge also finally
scored his first goal for Ireland in that match.
Ireland
traveled to Spain for their second qualifier (and most difficult) vs. group
favorites Spain in Sevilla on November 16th.
The
Irish were a weakened side and were missing many players due to injuries and
unavailability. These included Chris Hughton, Paul McGrath, Ronnie Whelan,
Kevin Sheedy and Frank Stapelton.
Charlton
pushed Kevin Moran into the midfield to compensate the absences.
He
also forgave and recalled Arsenal’s in-form central defender David O’Leary.
O’Leary had been persona non-grata for Charlton after refusing a call-up in
1986.
However,
the injury-hit Irish were defeated at Sevilla (impregnable venue for the
Spaniards) and lost 0-2.
In
the new year (1989), Ireland hosted France in a friendly at Dublin (February 7th,
1989, scoreless tie) in preparations for the springtime qualifiers.
Norwich
City midfielder Andy Townsend made his National Team debut in this friendly.
Ireland
continued its qualifiers (once again away) vs., Hungary at Budapest on March 8th,
1989.
Ireland
once again came away with an away point in a scoreless tie. They probably
deserved to win and seemed disappointed.
On
April 26th, they faced group runaway leaders Spain in Dublin, for
their first qualifier on home soil.
Prior
to this match, Charlton had changed the team captaincy from Moran to McCarthy.
Steve Staunton was back in the squad as left back and Stapelton replaced
Aldridge up front.
Photo
From: World Soccer, April 1990
(Rafael Martin Vasquez and Chris Hughton, April
26, 1989, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Spain 0)
Chris
Hughton was switched to right back to replace the injured Chris Morris.
Ireland
dominated and took the game to Spain. In the 16th minute they took
the lead. Ray Houghton crossed from the right side intended for Stapelton;
however, Michel diverted the cross into the net and handed Ireland victory.
Photo
From: World Soccer, October 1989
(Michel’s own goal, April 26, 1989, World Cup
Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Spain 0)
Photo
From: World Soccer, June 1989
(Frank Stapelton, April 26, 1989, World Cup
Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Spain 0)
The
Spanish frustration was exemplified by the substitution of their captain Emilio
Butragueno, who was ineffective and completely stifled by the Irish defense.
Photo
From: Football Association of Ireland, 75 Years, Author Peter Byrne, 1996
(Frank
Stapelton and Alberto Gorriz, April 26, 1989, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of
Ireland 1-Spain 0)
The
next month at Dublin (May 28th), they took on Malta and predictably
won (2-0). The Irish were missing the injured Captain Mick McCarthy and
midfielder John Sheridan. Ronnie Whelan earned a booking that deprived him of
their next important match vs. Hungary.
Photo
From: Soccer International, Issue 5, May 1990
(Republic of Ireland squad, Top, left to right:
Kevin Bernard Moran, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Bonner,
Raymond James Houghton, Stephen Staunton, Christopher William Gerard
Hughton, Anthony Guy Cascarino, Paul McGrath, Ronald Andrew ‘Ronnie’ Whelan,
Kevin Mark Sheedy, Francis Anthony ‘Frank’ Stapleton, David Anthony
O'Leary, May 28, 1989, World Cup
Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 2-Malta 0)
A
few days later on June 4th, the Irish hosted the Hungarians at
Dublin. In a match that they had to win, the Irish broke through late in the
first half through McGrath. The Irish appeared to be tiring in the second half
and were lucky that Hungary did not level the scores. Bonner made an impressive
save from Imre Garaba in the 77th minute.
Photo
From: Foot Magazine, Issue 102, April 1990
(June 4, 1989, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of
Ireland 2-Hungary 0)
Photo
From: World Soccer, July 1989
(Imre Garaba and John Aldridge, June 4, 1989,
World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 2-Hungary 0)
Five minutes later,
Ireland settled the match with a second goal. Ray Houghton crossed for
Cascarino to head home.
With
this important victory the Irish were in the driver’s seat for the second
qualifying spot for the group.
Photo
From: Football Association of Ireland, 75 Years, Author Peter Byrne, 1996
(Tony Cascarino scoring, June 4, 1989, World Cup
Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 2-Hungary 0)
Photo
From: kicker_WM-Sonderheft_1990
(Republic of Ireland squad, June 4, 1989, World
Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 2-Hungary 0)
In
the Fall, on October 11th, the All-Irish qualifier took place in
Dublin. The Republic had some difficulty in the first half and only scored near
the end through Whelan.
Photo
From: Football Association of Ireland, 75 Years, Author Peter Byrne, 1996 3
(Ronnie Whelan and Nigel Worthington, October
11, 1989, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 3-Northern Ireland 0)
They picked up the pace in the second half and scored
twice early through Cascarino and Houghton.
Qualification
was virtually assured, they had only had to beat Malta at La Valetta on
November 15th.
Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 11, December 1989
(Ray Houghton, October 11, 1989, World Cup
Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 3-Northern Ireland 0)
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2271, October 17, 1989
(Tony Cascarino and Gary Fleming, October 11,
1989, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 3-Northern Ireland 0)
For
that match, McCarthy was out injured and O’Leary replaced him. Paul McGrath was
switched as right back in place of Chris Morris.
Ronnie
Whelan captained in McCarthy’s absence.
John
Aldridge repaid Charlton’s faith in him by scoring twice (once on a penalty) to
help Ireland achieve their first ever qualification.
Photo
From: Soccer International, Issue 5, May 1990
(John Aldridge scoring, November 15, 1989, World
Cup Qualifier, Malta 0-Republic of Ireland 2)
Photo
From: Soccer International, Issue 5, May 1990
(John Aldridge, November 15, 1989, World Cup
Qualifier, Malta 0-Republic of Ireland 2)
They
went to the World Cup in Italy and were predictably difficult to beat. Through
grit and perseverance they reached the quarterfinals and were eliminated by the
Italian hosts.
Given
expectations, the World Cup was regarded as successful and established Ireland
as one of Europe’s improving and consistent teams for the years to come.
Photo
From: Soccer International, Issue 5, May 1990
(Chris Morris and Physio Mick Byrne celebrating,
November 15, 1989, World Cup Qualifier, Malta 0-Republic of Ireland 2)
1990
World Cup Qualifiers-Euroepan Zone-Group 6
May
21, 1988 (Belfast) (Northern Ireland 3-Malta 0)
September
14, 1988
Northern
Ireland 0-Republic of Ireland 0
Venue: Belfast -Windsor Park
Attendance:19,873
Referee:Michel
Vautrot (France)
Goalscorers:
(Northern
Ireland): None
(Republic
of Ireland): None
Lineups:
Northern
Ireland:
1-Alan
Darrell McKnight (West Ham United Football Club-London / England)
2-Malachy
Martin Donaghy (Luton Town Football Club / England) (13-Anton Gerard Patrick
Rogan (The Celtic Football Club –Glasgow / Scotland) 46th )
3-Nigel
Worthington (Sheffield Wednesday Football Club / England)
5-Alan
McDonald (Queens Park Rangers Football Club-London / England)
4-John
McClelland (captain) (Watford Football Club / England)
6-Daniel
Joseph Wilson (Luton Town Football Club / England)
7-Stephen
Alexander Penney (Brighton Hove and Albion Football Club / England)
11-Kingsley
Terence Black (Luton Town Football Club / England)
8-James
Martin Quinn (Leicester City Football Club / England)
9-Colin
John Clarke (Southampton Football Club / England)
10-Michael
Andrew Martin O'Neill (Newcastle United Football Club / England)
Coach:
William Laurence Bingham
Booked:
Alan McDonald 3
Republic
of Ireland:
1-Gerry
Peyton (Bournemouth
Association Football Club / England)
2-Christopher
Barry Morris (Celtic
Football Club- Glasgow / Scotland)
4-Michael
Joseph ‘Mick’ McCarthy (Celtic Football Club- Glasgow / Scotland)
5-Kevin
Bernard Moran (captain)
(Real Sporting de Gijón / Spain)
3-Christopher
William Gerard Hughton (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club-London / England)
8-Raymond
James Houghton (Liverpool
Football Club / England)
6-Paul
McGrath (Manchester
United Football Club / England)
7-Ronald
Andrew ‘Ronnie’ Whelan (Liverpool Football Club / England)
11-Kevin
Mark Sheedy (Everton
Football Club-Liverpool / England)
9-John
William Aldridge (Liverpool
Football Club / England)
10-Anthony
Guy Cascarino (Millwall
Football Club-London / England)
Coach:
John ‘Jack’ Charlton (England)
Booked:
Ronnie Whelan 59
Table
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Northern
Ireland
2
1
1
0
3
0
3
3
2
Ireland
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
3
Malta
1
0
0
1
0
3
-3
0
4
Hungary
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
Spain
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
October
19, 1988 (Budapest) (Hungary 1-Northern Ireland 0)
November
16, 1988
Spain
2-Republic of Ireland 0
Venue: Sevilla -Estadio Benito
Villamarin (Betis)
Attendance:50,000
Referee: Yuri Savchenko (USSR)
Goalscorers:
(Spain):
Manolo 53, Emilio Butragueno 65
(Republic
of Ireland): None
Lineups:
Spain:
1-Andoni ‘Zubizarreta’ Urreta (Fútbol Club Barcelona)
2-Enrique ‘Quique’ Sanchez Flores (Valencia Club de Fútbol) (12-Jesus ‘Solana’ Bermejo (Real Madrid Club de
Fútbol) 84th )
6-Alberto
‘Gorriz’ Echarte (Real Sociedad de Fútbol)
5-‘Manuel
Sanchis’ Hontiyuelo (Real Madrid Club de Fútbol)
4-Genar
‘Andrinua’ CortabarrÃa (Athletic Club de Bilbao)
