Irish Soccer’s Most Memorable Moments, No 5: McLoughlin scores against Northern Ireland, 1993

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI1KuKKY7JU

At number five and none of the Republic’s most memorable goals have been greeted with a stonier silence than when Alan McLoughlin scored against Northern Ireland in 1993.

A win would send Ireland through to USA 1994, a draw might do the same depending on the outcome of the Spain-Denmark match in Seville. Northern Ireland had nothing to play for, except the ability of knocking the Republic out.

Billy Bingham had engaged in some questionable pre-match antics, notably calling the players from the southern sides “mercanaries.”

This was at the tail-end of the troubles and the tension was palpable. In Roy Keane’s book he recounts the abuse Charlton’s side were subject to when it rolled into Windsor Park.

Knowing little of the history, lads like Andy Towensend, John Aldridge, Tony Cascarino and Alan McLoughlin were puzzled.

‘What’s all this about, Roy?’ Andy wondered.

‘How long have you got?’ I replied, with a laugh.

Jimmy Quinn fired Northern Ireland into the lead late in the second half, but it was substitute Alan McLoughlin who fired Jack’s army into World Cup 1994 with a great half-volley.

Spain beat Denmark and Ireland qualified on goal difference.

We’re counting down the days to Ireland’s Euro 2012 opener against Croatia. Join us every day in the build-up to the tournament for another classic Irish soccer memory.

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