Despite having just as much Premier League representation as Wales and Scotland, Ireland once again did not qualify for the World Cup this year, but there have been some highlights over the decades. For those who need reminding, here’s a recap:

Ireland’s journey through the 2022 World Cup qualifiers 

Ireland were given a fairly tough draw in the qualifying stages for the 2022 World Cup. They were in Group A with European heavyweights Portugal, a handy Serbian side, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. Things started poorly for them as they lost their first three games, including an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at home to Luxembourg. They finally got their first point of the group following a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan. Ireland then went unbeaten for the rest of the campaign, beating Azerbaijan and Luxembourg and drawing against Portugal and Serbia. But it was too little too late as Ireland finished third in their group. 

What happened when Ireland last qualified for the World Cup? 

The Irish have qualified three times previously. Let’s look at how they fared in those tournaments: 

South Korea & Japan 2002 

The team had a mixed group with Germany, the group favourites, a useful Cameroon outfit and unfancied Saudi Arabia. The campaign started with a decent 1-1 draw against Cameroon, followed by a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with Germany, Robbie Keane with a 92nd-minute equaliser. As expected, Ireland beat Saudi Arabia, 3-0, in the final game to finish second in the group and make the round of 16. They faced off against Spain and Irish fans were once again treated to a last-minute Robbie Keane goal which took the game to extra time and penalties. Unfortunately, Ireland narrowly lost the shootout 3-2. 

USA 1994 

Ireland were drawn into a strong Group E alongside Mexico, Italy and Norway. Their campaign started with a fantastic 1-0 win against Italy, courtesy of Ray Houghton. Ireland then lost to Mexico and drew with Norway to finish on 4 points, the same as all teams in the group. Ireland qualified for the knockout stage thanks to their goals scored and their win against Italy. In the round of 16, they came up against a powerful Dutch side and lost 2-0. 

Italy 1990 

Ireland’s first World Cup was at Italia ’90 where the team was drawn into Group F with England, the Netherlands, and Egypt, drawing all three games. With identical records, Ireland and the Netherlands drew lots to decide who would finish second (although both teams would progress to the knock-out phase). The luck of the Irish prevailed, and Ireland won the draw to set up a tie against Romania. After a tight 0-0 draw, Ireland won the shoot-out 5-4 to make the quarter-finals. They were unable to join England in the semi-finals though as they lost a close game 1-0. 

Looking forward…

Ireland supporters will be hoping future tournaments will bring back those heady days. However, fans who prefer to stream and experience things live, whether it’s live blackjack Ireland, TV shows, or live events, will have to wait at least another four years before seeing their team play at a World Cup. 

Ireland flag photograph © vladm