Match by Match guide to Ireland’s qualification for Euro 88 in Germany.
It’s hard to believe that it is 23 years since Ireland’s trip to Germany for the 1988 European Championship Finals. The journey to Stuttgart began back in September 1986 when the qualifying rounds for Euro 88 commenced. Unlike the qualification process today, there were only eight teams in the finals. The seven group winners were to join the hosts, Germany, in the final competition. Ireland had performed dismally in the qualification process for the Mexico 1986 World Cup and were therefore seeded fourth in their group behind three teams that had made it to the finals. Belgium were the strong favourites to qualify from Group Seven. Lead by the superb Enzo Schifo, Belgium had stunned the USSR and Spain on the way to reaching the semi-finals in Mexico. Bulgaria had also impressed before being eliminated in the 2nd round. Scotland, under new manager Andy Roxburgh, were also tipped to push close for a place in the finals. Perennial losers Luxembourg made up the fifth team in the group.
Match 1 Belgium 2-2 Ireland 10th September 1986
Ireland’s campaign began with a daunting trip to the Heysel Stadium to face Belgium. The lead up to the match was dominated by the debate over whether Jack Charlton would select Liam Brady. Certain sections of the media were demanding that Brady be dropped for the match. Brady, who was by now plying his trade at Ascoli, was seen as over the hill by some commentators. Charlton certainly came close to dropping Brady but eventually elected to keep him in the side: “Brady is a quality player but he must change his style and do things that I want him to do. If he responds it will be fine. If not, well…”. Charlton was to also give competitive debuts to John Aldridge and Ray Houghton – both of whom were still at Oxford United.
Charlton’s decision paid off when Brady scored a last minute equaliser to give Ireland a superb 2-2 draw. Jim Beglin, who had just come off the bench, delivered a measured throughpass that put Frank Stapleton in the clear. Belgium keeper Jean Marie Pfaff, the star keeper of Mexico 86, raced off his line and tripped Stapleton just inside the box. Brady held his nerve to send Pfaff the wrong way. Earlier, Belgium had taken the lead after 13 minutes when Nico Clausen, soon to join Spurs, scored at the near post following a corner. Ireland equalised when Frank Stapleton dived to head home Tony Galvin’s cross. Scifo had then put Beligum back in the lead after 69 minutes with a wonderful header into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Belgium: Pfaff, Grun, Van Der Elst, Clysters, Vervoort, Vercauteren, De Mol, Scifo, Claesen, Desmet, Ceulemans.
Ireland: Bonner, Langan, Moran, Lawrenson, Hughton, Houghtan, McGrath, Brady, Galvin, Stapleton, Aldridge. Subs: Whelan for Galvin, Beglin for Hughton.
Elsewhere…
Scotland 0-0 Bulgaria. England lost a friendly to Sweden 1-0.
In the News
Unionists protest at the promotion of Nicholas Scott within the NI Office by Margaret Thatcher; The IRA shoot dead an informer and dump his body near Carlingford; Former Minister and prominent write Conor Cruise O’Brien is criticised for travelling to South Africa for a lecture tour; A poultry breeder in south Armagh whose hens stopped laying because of noise from British helicopters was awarded £25,000 compensation.
On TV
Jon Kenny in concert, Belgium v Ireland, The Rockford Files (RTE1); Crisis in Central America, All in Good Faith, Cheers (RTE2); Heartbeat, The Video Picture Show, Wogan, Dallas (BBC1); T-Bag Strikes Again, Blockbusters, Crossroads, Pass the Buck (UTV); The Gong Show (C4).
Match 2 Ireland 0-0 Scotland 15th October 1986
A terrible match at Lansdowne Road. 45,000 spectators witnessed Ireland dominating the match but failing to find the target. The dropped point was already seen as the nail in the coffin of this qualifying campaign in some quarters. Frank Stapleton had Ireland’s best chance when he pounced on an error by Jim Leighton to blast over the bar while Ray Houghton also lofted an effort over the cross bar when put in the clear. Alan Hansen, brought back into the international fold, also cleared off the line from Kevin Sheedy.
Ireland: Bonner, Langan, Moran, McCarthy, Beglin, Houghton, McGrath, Brady, Sheedy, Stapleton, Aldridge. Sub: Daly for Moran.
Scotland: Leighton, Stewart, Hansen, Gough, Narey, Strachan, Aitken, McStay, Johnston. Sharp.
Elsewhere…
England beat Northern Ireland 3-0 with goals from Gary Lineker (2) and Chris Waddle.
On TV
Superted, The Day of the Triffids, Today Tonight (RTE1); Ireland v Scotland, Lovejoy, Wogan (RTE2); The adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, The Colbys, Sportsnight (BBC1); Indoor Bowls, Thomas the Tank Engine, Full House
In The News
Mortgage rates increase 4%; President Gorbachev stands firms on a nuclear arms deal with President Regean; Jacqueline Picasso, wife of Pablo, commits suicide
U21s in Oriel
The night before the Ireland v Scotland match, Oriel Park was the venue for an U-21 match between the two sides. Jack Charlton was in attendance as 2,682 people turned up for the match that featured many future stars. Ireland should have taken the lead after 18 minutes when Liverpool’s Brian Mooney crossed for Niall Quinn but the Arsenal striker’s goal was ruled out for offside. Future Dundalk player Ken De Mange, then with Liverpool, also went close. Gary Kelly, part of the Kelly goalkeeping dynasty that honoured Ireland for many years, made a mistake that allowed Robert Shannon to score. Scotland went two goals up when Robert Fleck of Rangers crossed for Kevin Gallacher (then of Dundee United and would end up at Blackburn and Newcastle) to score. De Mange pulled one back late on.
The teams that played in Oriel that night was:
Ireland: Gary Kelly (Newcastle), Denis Irwin (then of Oldham but future Man Utd legend), Gino Brazil (Man Utd), Eamon Collins (Portsmouth), Pat Dolan (Walsall….yesthat Pat Dolan); Callaghan (Stoke), Mick Milligan (Oldham); Ken De Mange (Liverpool); Niall Quinn (Arsenal); Brian Mooney (Liverpool); Martin Russell (Man Utd)
Scotland: Goram (Oldham – future Glasgow Rangers keeper), Shannon (Dundee), Whyte (Celtic); Grant (Celtic); Boyd (Motherwell); Duffy (Dundee); I Ferguson (Clyde); D Ferguson (Rangers), R Fleck (Rangers), Gallacher (Dundeed U), Tortoiano (Hibs).
Match 3 Scotland 0-1 Ireland 18th February 1987
A watershed result of Irish football and what remains the only significant away victory achieved by an Irish football team since the win over England in Goodison Park in 1947. Ireland started superbly with Jim Leighton making a great save to deny Mark Lawrenson and John Aldridge twice going close with headers. Within a minute of Aldridge’s second miss – Lawrenson broke free for the decisive goal. Aldridge took a quick free kick and Lawrenson ran unopposed to shoot past Leighton from the edge of the area. Ireland held on comfortably with Packie Bonner rarely threatened.
Scotland: Leighton, Stewart, Gough, Hansen, Malpas, Strachan, Aitken, Nevin, McClair, Johnston, Cooper. Sub: McStay, McCoist.
Ireland: Bonner, McGrath, McCarthy, Moran, Whelan, Houghtan, Lawrenson, Brady, Galvin, Stapleton, Aldridge. Sub: Byrne for Brady
Elsewhere…
Four Gary Liniker goals gave England a 4-2 win over Spain in Madrid.
In the News
Fianna Fail win the 1987 General Election. They win 73 seats compared to Fine Gael’s 40. Labour win 8 seats with the PDs winning 11. Garret Fitzgerald concedes defeat; the internal INLA fued continues with another death in Belfast;
On TV
General Election results coverage (RTE1); Scotland v Ireland, Dynasty, The Deer Hunter (RTE2); The Wombles, The Tom O’Connor Roadshow, Bananaman, Dallas (BBC1); Whistle Test, MASH (BBC2); Button Moon, Batfink, Sporting Triangles, The Equaliser, The Enforcer (UTV);
Match 4 Bulgaria 2-1 Ireland April 1st 1987
Despite a fine performance by Ireland – Bulgaria inflicted a cruel defeat upon Jack Charlton’s side through a controversial late penalty by Lasser Tanev. Kevin Moran, who had been outstanding throughout despite an injury, was adjudged to have taken down Nasko Sirakov inside the box with ten minutes remaining. Moran and his team-mates protested that the foul had taken place outside the area but the Portuguese referee was not for turning. Ireland had already cause for complaint when it appeared that Mick McCarthy had been fouled in the lead up to Bulgaria’s first goal. Despite the result, however, this was certainly viewed as one of the best away Irish performances in many years.
Bulgaria took the lead after 40 minutes when McCarthy was apparently pushed by Sadkov while contesting a long ball. There was no doubting the quality of the finish however when the midfielder blasted past Bonner from ten yards. Ireland were very unlucky not to equalise after 47 minutes when Ronnie Whelan’s full blooded shot from eight yards was sensationally saved by Boris Michailov. However, Ireland were level just two minutes later when Whelan headed on a long ball from McCarthy and Stapleton volleyed home. Ireland dominated possession and defended expertly until the late penalty gave Bulgaria the points.
Ireland: Bonner, Anderson, McCarthy, Moran, Hughton, Whelan, Brady, McGrath, Galvin, Stapleton, Aldridge. Sub: Quinn for Stapleton.
Elsewhere
Scotland’s qualification hopes were dented when they lost 4-1 to Belgium; England strolled to a 2-0 win in Belfast with goals from Bryan Robson and Chris Waddle.
In The News
Charlie Haughey resists pressure from back benchers not to remove housing grant allowances; A vote to restore the death penalty was defeated in Britain; An IRA car bomb exploded outside Windsor Park before the Northern Ireland v England European Qualifier. There was no injuries.
On TV
Spiderman, Head of the Class, Bergerac (RTE1); Bulgaria v Ireland, Faces and Places (RTE2); Chock-A-Block, Fast Forward, QED (BBC1); Paul Simon live (BBC2); The Falklands War Story, Midweek Sports Special (UTV)
MATCH 5 Ireland 0-0 Belgium April 28th 1987
It appeared after this frustrating draw at Lansdowne Road that Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for EURO 88 were most probably over. Belgium had changed from the exciting young team of ’86 and produced a dour defensive display. Ireland squandered some early chances when Brady shot wide from just four yards after just ninety seconds. John Aldridge, still seeking his first international goal, was taken down when clean through by Grun but the referee waved play on. Paul McGrath’s header in the 55th minute was cleared off the line by Grun for what proved to be Ireland’s last chance.
This result put Belgium two points clear of Ireland at the top of the table with Bulgaria a point further behind with two games in hand.
Ireland: Bonner, Anderson, McCarthy, Moran, Whelan, Houghtan, McGrath, Brady, Galvin, Stapleton, Aldridge. Sub: Byrne for Brady.
Elsewhere…
Northern Ireland 1-2 Yugoslavia, Turkey 0-0 England.
In The News
The ESB announce that there will be national electricity strikes; The Irish Nurses Organiation threaten national strikes to combat health cuts; 100 Irish troops were caught in the crossfire during violence in South Lebanon;
On TV
Slingers Day, Ireland v Belgium Highlights (the match was on live) (RTE2); World Championship Snooker, Neighbours, The Flintstones. (BBC1); Strike It Lucky, Taggart. Police Academy (UTV);
Match 6 Luxembourg 0-2 Ireland 28th May 1987
One of Ireland’s saving graces was that they still had two bankers to come against Luxembourg. This match, played on a Thursday evening, was a dull affair in which the result was never in doubt. Tony Galvin scored the first following a pass from John Aldridge while Ronnie Whelan scored his first goal for Ireland in the second half with a superb drive.
Ireland: Bonner, Anderson, McCarthy, Moran, Whelan, Houghtan, McGrath, Brady, Galvin, Stapleton, Aldridge. Subs: Byrne for Moran, Langan for Anderson.
Elsewhere
Billy McNeill returned to the Glasgow Celtic hot seat replacing David Hay;
In The News
The Irish Government puts pressure on the British government to take action following the publication of the Stalker Report on the “shoot to kill” policy by the RUC; A British diplomat is kidnapped in Iran; RTE show an after-tax profit of £3.5 million
On TV
Garda Patrol, The Cosby Show, Bookside (RTE1); Live coverage of Luxembourg v Ireland, Family Ties (RTE2); Thundercats, The adventures of Spot, Top of the Pops, Tomorrow’s World, Victoria Wood (BBC1); Inspector Gadget, Fresh Fields, Crazy Like a Fox (UTV);
Match 7 Ireland 2-1 Luxembourg September 9th 1987
20,000 people watched Ireland huff and puff to victory over a team without a win in decades. Ireland came within 16 minutes of having their European dream killed off. Luxembourg took the lead after 29 minutes when Ronnie Whelan’s error gave Krings possession and he made no mistake blasting the ball past Gerry Peyton. The advantage only lasted only two minutes. Frank Stapleton’s glancing header from Ashley Grimes cross went between the keeper and the post for the Ajax striker’s 18thgoal in international competition. Ireland’s winner came with 14 minutes left when Niall Quinn headed back to Paul McGrath to drive a fantastic strike past the keeper.
Ireland: Peyton, Langan, Moran, McGrath, Grimes, Houghtan, Whelan, Brady, Galvin, Stapleton, Byrne. Sub: Quinn for Galvin.
Elsewhere..
Wales’ hopes of qualifying continued when Mark Hughes scored the winner v Denmark; England were beaten 3-1 in a friendly against West Germany; Reigning European champions France were eliminated following a 1-1 draw with the USSR in Moscow.
In The News
A range of education cutbacks are announced, Iraqi plans bomb Tehran; Population growth in Ireland has stopped with the age profile getting older; 25 Liverpool fans are extradited to Belgium for their part in the 1985 Heysel disaster.
On TV
Magnum PI, The Dunera Boys, Hotel (RTE1); Highlights of the Luxembourg match (RTE2); The IRA shoot dead a man they claim was a member of the UDR.
Game 8 Ireland 2-0 Bulgaria 14th October 1987
Considering that Lansdowne Road was only half-full for the final qualifying match – it is clear to see that Irish football fans did not believe that qualification was likely. The Manchester United pair of Paul McGrath and Kevin Moran were the heroes as they both scored to settle a tight and tense match. The first goal came after 52 minutes when Mick McCarthy crossed and Ananiev in the Bulgarian goal punched straight to McGrath who buried the ball into the roof of the net. John Byrne, a second half sub for Tony Galvin, created the second when he picked up a knock down from Niall Quinn and his cross was expertly headed home by Moran. The one bad point from the game was the dismissal of Liam Brady.
Ireland: Bonner, McGrath, Moran, McCarthy, Whelan, Houghton, Lawrenson, Brady, Galvin, Stapleton, Aldridge. Sub: Byrne for Galvin, Quinn for Aldridge.
Elsewhere…
Belgium’s 2-0 defeat at Hampden Park (goals from Ally McCoist and Paul McStay) mean that they were eliminated. Ireland now needed a Scottish victory in Sofia in order to qualifier. Ireland lead the way in the group but Bulgaria just needed one point from their final game due to their superior goal difference.
In the news
Four people are shot dead in Bristol when a gunman goes beserk and kills his girlfriend and her workmates; The Birmingham Six allege a “major cover up”
On TV
Number One, Evening Extra (RTE1); Going for Gold (BBC1);
Postscript
Scotland went to Sofia with nothing but pride to play for – but substitute Gary Mackay scored the 87th minute winner to send Ireland to Germany. Hristo Stoichkov, however, came within a whisker of equalising in the 89th minute.
Colm Murphy
Dundalk FC Magazine.
