49th top team: Ireland 1994
Ray Houghton scored a memorable goal against Italy
Also In The News
Thursday, 22, Apr 2010 12:05
49th top team: Ireland 1994
Finished: Last-16 (Lost 2-0 to Holland)
A memorable Irish team - one adopted by many England fans after the Three Lions fluffed their lines in qualification - as much for their success in the tournament as the talent in the squad - any team which features Andy Townsend, Roy Keane, Phil Babb, Tony Cascarino and Jason McAteer has to make it into the list just for the personalities involved.
Ireland's group during the 1994 World Cup remains the only time every team has finished on the same points. The group stages were as memorable for Irish manager Jack Charlton's attempts to get water onto the pitch for his players as the results they achieved. Reversing their quarter-final defeat in 1990, Charlton's men overcame Italy 1-0 in their first game thanks to a sublime Ray Houghton lob (watch below). Ireland then went on to lose 2-1 to Mexico and then draw 0-0 with Norway but still managed to qualify for the knock-out round thanks to their superior goal difference. The Mexico defeat proved memorably for the foul-mouthed rows between Charlton, striker John Aldridge and Fifa officials, which saw both men fined for their actions. Luckily for Ireland, Aldridge managed to put said row behind him after he was brought on to score a consolation goal which ultimately saw Ireland progress to a last-16 tie against Holland. That was as far as the Irish adventure went though, with the Dutch defeating Charlton's men 2-0 in the first knock-out round.
Agree? Disagree? Email worldcup@inthenews.co.uk or use the comment field below to let us know.