Wales burst Northern Ireland's bubble by doing what England could not manage at Windsor Park by recording a 3-2 victory in this thrilling World Cup group six qualifier.
The euphoria of victory over England evaporated and was replaced by a feeling of frustration as they went down to their near neighbours.
For Wales manager John Toshack it was time to celebrate his first victory in a competitive game and the end of a run of six defeats in World Cup qualifiers.
Northern Ireland, though, showed tremendous fighting spirit in this rousing battle of the home nations at Windsor Park and hauled back a two-goal lead.
Manchester United's Ryan Giggs went on to grab the winner and cap a fine individual performance.
Not surprisingly Northern Ireland showed no little confidence at the beginning of the game after putting England to the sword.
Michael Duff nearly gave the side the perfect start, his header in the second minute from Keith Gillespie's corner clipping the bar.
David Healy sent a dipping volley over the top and Stuart Elliott fired in a shot into goalkeeper Paul Jones' body as the home side made a bright start.
They kept up the pressure and Colin Murdock headed over from close range following a cross from Steve Davis.
Wales suddenly took a grip on the game and made the breakthrough after 27 minutes following a flowing move.
Giggs started it and fed Sam Ricketts on the left with Northern Ireland all at sea. Ricketts swept in the cross and Simon Davies got on the end of it to smash the ball home.
Northern Ireland hit back with both Keith Gillespie and Murdock going close to grabbing the equaliser.
Just when they were beginning to take heart again, Wales added a second with Giggs showing some vintage skill.
He nutmegged Duff then skipped past Stephen Craigan as he raced to the byline. Giggs then whipped in a perfect cross that Carl Robinson took in his stride for his first goal for his country.
Wales were awarded a penalty in the 41st minute when Tony Capaldi hauled back Davies as he surged forward into the box.
The Plymouth defender was lucky to escape getting a red card - he got a yellow instead - as he was the last man.
Dutch referee Ruud Bossen has no hesitation in awarding a spot-kick only for John Hartson's effort to be turned away by Maik Taylor.
Stuart Elliott did find the net for Northern Ireland before the break only for his effort to be ruled offside.
Northern Ireland made a rousing start to the second half and reduced the deficit after 44 seconds.
Keith Gillespie played a neat one-two with Healy before steering a shot beyond Jones and into the corner.
It was only his second goal in 66 international appearance and a welcome one at that.
Northern Ireland maintained the momentum and drew level in the 50th minute with Steve Davis' first goal for the province.
He showed a cool head to take advantage of a knockdown by James Quinn following a long throw by Duff.
It was game on and Wales looked stunned at the way the match had been turned on its head in the space of four minutes.
The qualifier took another twist in the 61st minute when Wales regained the lead thanks to a superb free-kick from Giggs.
He curled the ball home from 20 yards after Murdock had been penalised by bringing down the nippy Earnshaw.
Wales kept up the pressure and Taylor reacted well to push away a powerful 18-yard effort from Davies.
The home side pushed forward and Damien Johnson found space inside area by failed to test Jones with his effort. Then Healy's quick free-kick was turned round the post by Jones.
Healy was re-invigorated and claimed a penalty off Jones only for the referee to have none of it.
Sub Chris Brunt almost saw his free-kick find the net and Healy cracked in a shot that was blocked by Fletcher in a frenetic finale by the home side.
However Wales held out for their first win in a competitive game since March 2003.
