Number 45 on our countdown shows that Ireland can take on the giants of world football and win.
A couple of things about this match from May 1994:
Firstly, it was our second last friendly before the World Cup.
Secondly, we had three young players in the side making only their fourth appearances in the green jersey in Phil Babb, Gary Kelly and Jason McAteer.
Thirdly, we beat the reigning world champions Germany in Hanover in front of 50,000 fans who were cheering on a side that featured luminaries like Klinsmann, Effenberg and Matthäus in a comprehensive fashion.
Ireland just don’t do that.
Especially when Tony Cascarino is playing alone up front…
This was a remarkable result, which coupled with a draw against Russia and a win over Holland in our World Cup preparations, showed Irish fans that we could hang with big boys of international football.
Granted over the years we have had a relatively good record against Germany -winning five, losing seven and drawing four against the three-time World Champions. We were also, besides Brazil, the only team to beat Germany’s keeper Oliver Kahn in the 2002 World Cup.
Another reason why this match makes our Top 50 is the emergence of the Three Amigos – Jason McAteer, Phil Babb and Gary Kelly.
As Giovanni Trappatoni can take note, Charlton’s selection of these young players, though cavalier, imbued an old Irish side with a new energy.
In the above clip Kelly got on the scoresheet and “Trigger” launched a pinpoint cross for “Cas” to knock it past Bodo Illgner.
You can see from the below clip and how John Giles and Billo are waxing lyrical about the unprecedented performance, that this was a serious achievement even for a friendly.
Today marks 45 days to go until the start of Euro 2012, so stick with us every day as we present another memorable Irish soccer moment.
