Ireland's playoff record worse than England's shootout woes
BLUE SEA: Matt Doherty reacts after missing his penalty in the shootout during the Euro 2020 qualifying play-off semi-final match against Slovakia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
It would be understandable if Republic of Ireland fans were dreading a playoff as much as England supporters dread penalty shootouts.
Ireland's playoff record is not good, but the Boys in Green are optimistic in Prague, largely thanks to the form of Troy Parrott, which has put their history of winning just three of their 10 playoff clashes to the back of everyone’s mind.
Oddly, that playoff record is almost identical to England’s penalty woes as they have been in 11 penalty shootouts at international tournaments and have won just four. Hopefully by Friday Ireland will have the same success rate.
But as Ireland bid to advance to a playoff final next Tuesday, it’s important not to forget the past.
And while there are seven heartbreaking losses, the three victories can serve as an inspiration and a reminder to what can be achieved.
Here is how Ireland have fared in their 10 playoff matches:
A bit different to the playoff system in the modern era as Ireland were initially in a three-team qualification group to reach the finals in England. That became two teams when Syria withdrew in protest over the allocation for African teams in the tournament.
Therefore, it came down to two games against reigning European champions Spain, who boasted former Ballon d’Or winner Luis Suarez in their ranks. Ireland secured a famous 1-0 at home before losing the away fixture 4-1 away but instead of an aggregate score being used, it was deemed that it was just one victory a piece which led to a winner take all in Paris, with Ireland ultimately losing 1-0 to a late Jose Ufarte finish.
A dream for any Irish Liverpool fan. A huge Republic of Ireland fixture taking place at Anfield. Unfortunately, it soon turned into a nightmare as Patrick Kluivert scored twice to secure the Netherlands’ spot at the tournament in England in what proved to be Jack Charlton’s final game as manager.
A superb early free kick by Denis Irwin gave Ireland the perfect start in the first leg before the recently introduced away goal rule proved significant as Luc Nilis netted. Ireland knew they needed to score in the away leg and even though Ray Houghton found the net, it came either side of finishes from Luis Oliveira and Nilis once again which sent the Belgians through.
Who came up with this away goal rule? It cost Ireland a place at Euro 2000 as Robbie Keane’s early finish was cancelled out when Tayfur Havutcu slotted home from the penalty spot. A scoreless draw in a hostile in environment in Turkey, although it was played at a small stadium in Bursa where only 100 Ireland fans made the trek, is normally considered a good result, but not when Ireland needed to score.
Before Saipan, there was Iran. Goals from Ian Harte and Robbie Keane gave Mick McCarthy’s men a commanding lead to take to Tehran, where they had to overcome fans starting fires in the stands and a late Yahya Golmohammdi goal to book their place in their third World Cup finals. If only Roy Keane had been fully fit for the second leg it may have made their passage to South Korea and Japan much smoother. In more ways than one.
Hmmm. Nicolas Anelka’s strike in Dublin seemed to ensure France would cruise to the finals in South Africa.
But Robbie Keane and his teammates had other ideas, and his neat finish earned Ireland a memorable victory at the Stade de France. Then something even more memorable, and unforgivable, happened as Thierry Henry’s handball allowed him to tee up William Gallas for the winner in extra time. Despite the FAI’s efforts in the aftermath, Ireland would not be granted the chance to become the 33rd team at the World Cup.
If only all playoffs were this straightforward. Goals from Keith Andrews, Jonathan Walters and a Robbie Keane brace had Irish fans booking flights and camper vans for the Euros before the first leg in Tallinn had even concluded. Stephen Ward gave Giovanni Trapattoni’s men the lead in the second leg at the Aviva and although they would only draw, the mission had long since been accomplished.
One of the biggest goals in Ireland’s recent history and barely anybody saw it. A dense fog in the Bosnian city of Zenica made viewing difficult for those in the stadium as well as those watching on the telly.
Robbie Brady emerged as shining beacon of light to give Ireland the lead in the 83rd minute before Edin Dzeko equalised moments later. A Jonathan Walters brace ensured Ireland completed the job in the return leg.
It didn’t have the controversy of the Thierry Henry playoff but that doesn’t mean it was any less heart-breaking. Ireland produced a solid defensive display to secure a valuable scoreless draw in Copenhagen to give them a great chance of reaching the World Cup in Russia.
The Boys in Green made a dream start in the second leg when Shane Duffy headed them into the lead. But it quickly turned into a nightmare as Christian Eriksen’s hat-trick put them to the sword.
Apologies England for the earlier reference to your penalty woes as, lest we forget, Ireland experienced their own in Slovakia. It was a strange time in the world due to Covid with this playoff taking place months after the tournament was initially set to be played.
It was also played during lockdown and Stephen Kenny, who had only been in charge for a month, was forced to do without Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah due to them being close contacts of staff who had tested positive for Covid. There were no fans in attendance but the eery atmosphere perhaps suited Ireland in their role as visitors.
They were the better side throughout, but they couldn’t take their chances – Conor Hourihane in particular missing a sitter – before Alan Browne and Matt Doherty failed to convert in the shoot-out, as Slovakia went on to beat Northern Ireland in the playoff final.
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