After the dizzying highs of Italia ’90, Ireland progressed to their second World Cup Final in the USA, and the first game was as hard as it would get.
They would face Italy, the team that knocked them out of the tournament four years previously. Italy were one of the favourites to win the tournament, let alone this game. Yet Ireland were in good form after impressive pre-season friendlies, including wins over the Netherlands and Germany.
Fans were hopeful that Ireland could cause an upset. Still, they knew the odds were against them, as this was an Italy team that boasted superstars like Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio and Franco Baresi.
But while Italy had home advantage the last time, this year's setting was different. 72,000 spectators packed into Giants Stadium, with the Irish taking up significant space with their colour and noise.
At home, few dared to miss Ireland back on the world stage, with the focus so great that O’Connell Street in Dublin was deserted during the game. Fans hoped for a single moment could see the underdogs seize the victory.
That moment did arrive, and it was magical. In the 11th minute, Ray Houghton received the ball and took a shot from afar, a gambit that would pay off.
When the ball sailed over goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca and into the back of the net, Houghton did a forward tumble, the first time he ever did so, rounding off a moment that took its place in Irish history.
Victory For Republic Of Ireland 1994
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Talking to Oliver Callan about the goal, Houghton said:
"And you know, I can still relive the moment when Baresi heads it out, I chest it down, I’m looking to pass the ball to the left to Steve Staunton, but unfortunately Steve was marked. And it was one of those moments, when it just goes through your head, and I thought, 'Just hit it and see what happens.’ And the emotions are different, so different when you hit it, it’s like, my first thought was, ‘It’s going over the bar,’ my second thought was, ‘The keeper’s going to save it,’ and the third one – and the least probable one – was, ‘It’s going to go in.’ And then when it hit the back of the net, I was off and running."
Conventional wisdom said that Ireland wouldn’t have won that game, and coming away with any result would have been an achievement, but the odds can always be defied.
Ireland achieved a historic victory thanks to a mixture of belief, commitment, focus and an inspired Paul McGrath, entering the match with a clear goal in mind and achieving it.
Ireland would progress through the group stages but fall short against a talented Netherlands team. Italy would reach the final, where they would narrowly lose to Brazil in a penalty shootout. Yet for Ireland, it wasn’t just the country’s first win in a World Cup; it was against one of the best teams in the world.
Irish Fans Optimistic 1994
That belief and ambition don’t appear out of thin air. It was crafted and developed over the years, which included Ireland’s time playing in Euro '88 and Italia '90. The work and effort over weeks, months and years, with the results not showing until long after, is key to making those ambitions a reality.
All dreams require a foundation to work from, and those partnering with you to ensure you get that commitment to process with the right level of ambition.
USA '94 arrived at a time where Ireland was in the doldrums. Money was tight, unemployment high and for many ordinary fans, the opportunity to see the Boys in Green create history felt out of reach. Yet when these fans needed help and advice, the local credit union helped bridge that gap.
By providing the support needed for them to make the trip, ordinary Irish fans were able to show their support and be part of a historic time in Irish sport.
The true story of the World Cup wasn’t about the heroics on the pitch, it was the many Irish fans who dared to dream and go the extra mile to support their team. In turn, they were supported by their local credit union which let them follow their team and create memories that they would cherish for a lifetime.
You can find out more about how your credit union can support your plans by visiting www.creditunion.ie
Credit Unions in Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
