The Republic of Ireland national football team (Irish: Foireann peile náisiúnta Phoblacht na hÉireann) represents the Republic of Ireland in men's international football.
History[]
Ireland national football team (1882–1950)[]
On February 18, 1882, Ireland made their international debut against England, losing 0-13 in a friendly match. This marked England's fourth win and the record defeat for the Irish team, two years after the founding of the Irish FA.[1]
In 1884, Ireland participated in the inaugural British Home Championship but lost all three games.[2]
The FAI imposed a ban on players from the Republic of Ireland from playing for the IFA's Ireland team, with all UK-based players from the Republic signing an undertaking not to play for the IFA.
The IFA and FAI teams continued to compete as Ireland, but FIFA's 1953 congress amended Rule 3 to require international teams to use the title recognized politically and geographically. The FAI initially claimed Rule 3 granted them the right to the name Ireland, but FIFA ruled both teams could not be referred to as Ireland, with the FAI team officially designated as the Republic of Ireland.[3]
Irish Free State (1924-1936)[]
In 1923, the FAIFS was recognized by FIFA as the governing body of football in the Irish Free State. They made their international debut at the 1924 Summer Olympics, beating Bulgaria 1–0 with Paddy Duncan's first-ever goal.[4] They qualified for the quarter-finals but lost to the Netherlands.[5][6]
On February 25, 1934, the Irish Free State made their FIFA World Cup debut, drawing 4–4 with Belgium in a qualifier. Paddy Moore scored all four goals, becoming the first player to score four goals in a World Cup game.[7]
Ireland (1936-present)[]
After 1936, the Football Association of Ireland reverted to the name "Football Association of Ireland" and referred to their team as Éire or "Ireland." Two Irish international football teams were chosen by two rival associations, the Northern Ireland-based IFA and the Irish Free State-based FAI. At least 38 dual internationals were selected to represent both teams,[8] with most being Southerners who also played for the IFA team.
Ireland made its first appearance at a major finals tournament in Euro 1988, qualifying through Gary Mackay's 87th-minute goal in Sofia, where Scotland beat Bulgaria 1–0, leaving Ireland top of the group.[9]
The Republic of Ireland achieved its longest competitive winning streak in 1989 during the 1990 World Cup qualifying campaign, winning five games against Spain, Northern Ireland, Hungary, and Malta.[10] The team then made it to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, with three draws in the group stage.
In October 2023, Ireland was confirmed as co-host of UEFA Euro 2028 alongside England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, due to the high number of involved associations, Ireland was not granted automatic qualification. All teams will participate in qualifying, with two spots allocated to the best performing hosts. Ireland will host games at Aviva Stadium.[11]
Football Association of Ireland[]
In 2002, the FAI unsuccessfully partnered with the Scottish Football Association to host UEFA Euro 2008.[12]
The FAI relocated to its new headquarters at the Sports Campus Ireland in Abbotstown in November 2007.[13]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/1881-1890matches.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20220718145320/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesb/bhc1884-99.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20171212081538/https://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/fai-history-1930-1959
- ↑ https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/fai-recognise-ireland-v-bulgaria-match-at-1924-paris-olympics-as-first-ever-senior-international/a2008203558.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20090803172613/http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1924f-det.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20050404051620/http://www.clubi.ie/fpage/history/part2.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20160707151442/http://www.soccer-ireland.com/irish-football-results/1940-1959.htm
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20170816234040/http://nifootball.blogspot.com/2006/10/dual-internationalists.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20220601151223/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gNBAAAAAIBAJ&pg=6004%2C2954712
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20190711201601/https://italia1990.com/uefa/group-6/
- ↑ https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/britain-ireland-host-euro-2028-italy-turkey-get-euro-2032-2023-10-10/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20140613035157/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/feb/28/newsstory.sport2
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20121017205007/http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2007/1126/1195682380978.html
