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EspañolNORTHERN IRELAND NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM
Current campaign
''See the main article 2008 UEFA Championship Group F''
Northern Ireland are currently seeking qualification to the finals of the Euro 2008 competition. They were seeded in the sixth pot and drawn against Sweden, Spain, Denmark, Latvia, Iceland and Liechtenstein. In an unprecedented move, the Irish Football Association offered the national team and all its staff a £1 million pound bonus if the team qualified for Euro 2008 [2].
Their chances of qualifying got off to a poor start as a poor defensive display saw them go down 3-0 at home to Iceland. In their second game, they came back to defeat Spain 3-2 with a David Healy hat trick, the first in Belfast for thirty-five years since George Best, and their first win over Spain since the 1982 World Cup [3]. Northern Ireland then recorded a 0-0 draw against Denmark in Copenhagen [4] and a 1-0 win against Latvia at Windsor Park [5]. Northern Ireland played Liechtenstein in March 2007, picking up a 4-1 win [6]. The victory included another Healy hat-trick and Grant McCann's first international goal. A 2-1 victory against Sweden on 28 March has seen Northern Ireland go top of Group F, having played more games than the other teams[7], and are assured to occupy a qualification spot at the midway point. Northern Ireland did not play in the June games so therefore fell to third, but they defeated Liechtenstein 3-1, with a Healy brace and Kyle Lafferty's first goal of the campaign putting Northern Ireland into 2nd place. However they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Latvia in Riga, which dealt their qualification hopes a huge blow. However, later on the same day, both Sweden and Spain drew, bringing qualification hope alive again.
'Forthcoming fixtures'
| 'Date' | 'City' | 'Opponent' | 'Type of game' |
| September 12, 2007 | Reykjavík | Euro 2008 qualifier | |
| October 17, 2007 | Stockholm | Euro 2008 qualifier | |
| November 17, 2007 | Belfast | Euro 2008 qualifier | |
| November 21, 2007 | Las Palmas | Euro 2008 qualifier |
Past performances
Northern Ireland's best World Cup performance was in their first appearance in the competition, the 1958 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals after beating Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the play-off. They were knocked out by France, losing 4-0. In the 1958 competition Northern Ireland became the smallest country to have qualified for the World Cup, a record that stood until Trinidad & Tobago qualified for the 2006 World Cup. Northern Ireland remains, however, the smallest country to have qualified for more than one World Cup, and the smallest country to have reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Northern Ireland also qualified for the 1982 World Cup, again reaching the quarter-finals after topping the first stage group, having beaten Spain, the hosts 1-0, a match that has gone down in history as one of Northern Ireland's finest ever displays, and is still sung about by fans today. In 1982, Norman Whiteside became the youngest ever player in the World Cup finals, a record that still stands today. In the 1986 World Cup, they reached the first round. Billy Bingham, a member of the 1958 squad, was manager for both of these tournaments. They have not qualified for any other World Cups. The side have yet to participate in their first European Championship finals.
Northern Ireland were the last winners of the now defunct British Home Championship held in 1984. After qualifying for the 1986 World Cup, Northern Ireland entered a gradual decline. However, the 1994 World Cup and Euro '96 qualifiers saw respectable performances- in the latter, they finished level on points with the Republic of Ireland, but a goal difference of 5 to the Republic of Ireland's 6 cost them second place. Subsequent performances were less notable, although fortunes have improved since.
Lawrie Sanchez was appointed in January 2004 after a run of ten games without a goal. The previous manager was Sammy McIlroy. That run ended after his first game in charge, a 1-4 defeat to Norway in a friendly in February 2004. The run of sixteen games without a win ended after his second game, a 1-0 victory in a friendly over Estonia, with a largely experimental side, in March 2004.
The Our Wee Country mural in east Belfast commemorating Northern Ireland beating England at home in 2005.
On the 7th of September 2005 Northern Ireland achieved arguably their best victory in recent times by beating England 1-0 in a 2006 World Cup Qualifier at Windsor Park. David Healy scored the winner in the 73rd minute. Almost a year to the day later, on the 6th of September 2006, Northern Ireland defeated Spain 3-2 in a qualifier for Euro 2008, with Healy scoring a hat-trick. Healy also scored all of Northern Ireland's goals in the 2-1 victory over Sweden in the same qualification group. Healy has scored eleven out of Northern Ireland's thirteen Euro 2008 qualification goals thus far in seven matches, and is the leading goalscorer in the competition so far.
Here is a summary of all Northern Ireland's competitive results (friendly matches not counted):
;All competitive matches before and after partition ‡
| P | W | D | L | F | A | Gd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 110 | 96 | 244 | 483 | 938 | -455 |
;All matches including friendlies ‡
| P | W | D | L | F | A | Gd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 524 | 130 | 118 | 276 | 556 | 1046 | -490 |
‡ Data correct as of N.Ireland v Sweden 28 March 2007
The team have also won the Home Championship 8 times, including 5 shared.
History
The Northern Ireland team is the successor to the all-Ireland national football team that existed before the formation of the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland) in 1922. The team selected by the Irish Football Association, based in Belfast, continued to claim to represent (and pick players from) all of Ireland after the partition. A rival Ireland team was set up by the Football Association of Ireland (based in Dublin, Irish Free State) in 1926 which also claimed to represent all of Ireland, however this team was not recognised by the Home Nations and instead looked to FIFA teams from mainland Europe for competition.
It took until 1950 for the boundaries to be sorted out, and it was not until 1954 that the IFA's team became known as 'Northern Ireland' (though it took many more years for the name to fall into popular usage), while the FAI's team became known as the 'Republic of Ireland' (often called simply 'Ireland' or 'the Republic' in popular usage).
Controversy and sectarianism
Some of Northern Ireland's fans have been perceived as sectarian by opposing elements in Northern Irish society. Neil Lennon, the former captain of Celtic F.C., was given a death-threat by Loyalists in Rathcoole after having been subject to boos and jeers from some supporters while playing for Northern Ireland in Windsor Park. However, steps have been taken to eradicate the sectarian element within the support,[8] and these have proved to be very successful[9]. Lennon has been quick to heap praise on the Northern Ireland Fans,[10] and in particular "Football For All" Outstanding Achievement Award Winner Stewart MacAfee,[11] for the work they have carried out to create a more inclusive atmosphere at international games.
Stadium
Windsor Park - a view from the Kop Stand, showing the two-tiered North Stand and the low Railway stand behind the opposite goal
Northern Ireland play their home matches at Windsor Park, home of Linfield F.C., which they have use of on a one hundred year lease, giving the owners 15% of the gate receipts[12].
There is currently speculation of building a multi sports stadium for Northern Ireland at the disused Maze prison outside Lisburn for the use of Rugby, Gaelic Games and football.[13] This plan has been given an "in principle" go-ahead by the Irish Football Association. However, it is opposed by fans, over 85% of whom in a match day poll(of unknown methodology conducted by an interested party) preferred to stay at a smaller new or redeveloped ground in the city of Belfast [14]. The Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs organised a protest against the move to the Maze at the game against Estonia in March 2006.
Popular culture
Since the defeat of England in 2005 there has been an increase of national pride in the team, with demand for tickets outstripping supply.[15][16] Tongue-in-cheek songs such as "We're not Brazil, we're Northern Ireland" (sung to the tune of ''Battle Hymn of the Republic'') and 'It's Just Like Watching Brazil' are popular at home matches.
In 2006, Northern Ireland's supporters were awarded the Brussels International Supporters Award,[17] for their efforts to stamp out sectarianism, charity work and general good humour and behaviour. Representatives of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs received the award from UEFA and EU representatives prior to the Northern Ireland versus Spain game at Windsor Park in September 2006. The team have various supporters' clubs and the Our Wee Country fans' website.
Current players
The following players have all been called up to the Northern Ireland squad within the last 12 months. (updated 8th September 2007)
Coaching staff
★ Manager: Nigel Worthington
★ Assistant Manager: Glynn Snodin
★ Goalkeeping coach Fred Barber
★ Physio: Terry Hayes
World Cup Finals record
★ 1930 to 1938 - ''Did not enter''
★ 1950 - ''Did not qualify''
★ 1954 - ''Did not qualify''
★ 1958 - Quarterfinals
★ 1962 to 1978 - ''Did not qualify''
★ 1982 - 2nd group stage
★ 1986 - Round 1
★ 1990 to 2006 - ''Did not qualify''
European Championship Finals record
★ 1960 - ''Did not enter''
★ 1964 to 2004 - ''Did not qualify''
Notable former players
| 'Goalkeepers' ★ Harry Gregg ★ Pat Jennings ★ Willie McFaul ★ Jim Platt ★ Tommy Wright'Defenders' ★ Danny Blanchflower ★ Jackie Blanchflower ★ Dave Clements ★ Mal Donaghy ★ Allan Hunter ★ John McClelland ★ Alan McDonald ★ Alf McMichael ★ Terry Neill ★ Sammy Nelson ★ Chris Nicholl ★ Jimmy Nicholl ★ John O'Neill ★ Pat Rice ★ Gerry Taggart ★ Nigel Worthington'Midfielders' ★ George Best ★ Billy Bingham ★ Noel Brotherston ★ Wilbur Cush ★ Bryan Hamilton ★ Michael Hughes ★ Neil Lennon ★ Steve Lomas ★ Jim Magilton ★ David McCreery ★ Jimmy McIlroy ★ Sammy McIlroy ★ Peter McParland ★ Jimmy Nicholson ★ Martin O'Neill ★ Michael O'Neill ★ Bertie Peacock ★ Danny Wilson'Strikers' ★ Gerry Armstrong ★ Colin Clarke ★ Peter Doherty ★ Derek Dougan ★ Iain Dowie ★ Billy Hamilton ★ Jimmy McIlroy ★ Jimmy Quinn ★ Norman Whiteside ★ Kevin Wilson  The wall of heroes outside Windsor Park |
Managers
★ Peter Doherty (1951–1962)
★ Bertie Peacock (1962–1967)
★ Billy Bingham (1967–1971)
★ Terry Neill (1971–1975)
★ Dave Clements (1975–1976)
★ Danny Blanchflower (1976–1979)
★ Billy Bingham (1980–1994)
★ Bryan Hamilton (1994–1998)
★ Lawrie McMenemy (1998–1999)
★ Sammy McIlroy (2000–2003)
★ Lawrie Sanchez (2004–2007)
★ Nigel Worthington (2007–present)
Player records
Northern Ireland players with 50 or more caps
As of 8 September, 2007, the players with the most caps for Northern Ireland are:
| # | Name | Career | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Jennings | 1964 - 1986 | 119 | 0 |
| 2 | Mal Donaghy | 1980 - 1994 | 91 | 0 |
| 3 | Sammy McIlroy | 1972 - 1987 | 88 | 5 |
| 4 | Keith Gillespie | 1995 - present | 77 | 2 |
| 5 | Jimmy Nicholl | 1976 - 1986 | 73 | 1 |
| 6 | Michael Hughes | 1992 - 2004 | 71 | 4 |
| 7 | David McCreery | 1976 - 1990 | 67 | 0 |
| 8 | Nigel Worthington | 1984 - 1997 | 66 | 0 |
| 9 | Martin O'Neill | 1972 - 1985 | 64 | 8 |
| 10 | Gerry Armstrong | 1977 - 1986 | 63 | 12 |
| 11 | Maik Taylor | 1999 - present | 62 | 0 |
| 12= | Iain Dowie | 1990 - 2000 | 59 | 12 |
| 12= | Terry Neill | 1961 - 1973 | 59 | 2 |
| 14 | David Healy | 2000 - present | 58 | 31 |
| 15= | Billy Bingham | 1951 - 1964 | 56 | 10 |
| 15= | Danny Blanchflower | 1950 - 1963 | 56 | 2 |
| 17 | Jimmy McIlroy | 1952 - 1966 | 55 | 10 |
| 18 | Aaron Hughes | 1998 - present | 54 | 0 |
| 19= | Allan Hunter | 1970 - 1980 | 53 | 1 |
| 19= | John McClelland | 1980 - 1990 | 53 | 1 |
| 21= | Jim Magilton | 1991 - 2002 | 52 | 5 |
| 21= | Alan McDonald | 1986 - 1996 | 52 | 3 |
| 23= | Sammy Nelson | 1970 - 1982 | 51 | 1 |
| 23= | Chris Nicholl | 1975 - 1984 | 51 | 3 |
| 23= | Gerry Taggart | 1990 - 2002 | 51 | 7 |
| 26= | Bryan Hamilton | 1969 - 1980 | 50 | 4 |
| 26= | James Quinn | 1996 - present | 50 | 4 |
Top Northern Ireland goalscorers
| # | Player | Career | Goals (Caps) | Goals per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Healy | 2000 - present | 31 (58) | 0.53 |
| 2= | Billy Gillespie | 1913 - 1932 | 13 (25) | 0.52 |
| 2= | Colin Clarke | 1986 - 1993 | 13 (38) | 0.34 |
| 4= | Joe Bambrick | 1928 - 1940 | 12 (11) | 1.09 |
| 4= | Gerry Armstrong | 1977 - 1986 | 12 (63) | 0.19 |
| 4= | Jimmy Quinn | 1985 - 1996 | 12 (46) | 0.26 |
| 4= | Iain Dowie | 1990 - 2000 | 12 (59) | 0.20 |
| 8= | Billy Bingham | 1951 - 1964 | 10 (56) | 0.18 |
| 8= | Jimmy McIlroy | 1952 - 1966 | 10 (55) | 0.18 |
| 8= | Peter McParland | 1954 - 1962 | 10 (34) | 0.29 |
| 8= | Johnny Crossan | 1960 - 1968 | 10 (24) | 0.42 |
See also
★ Green and white army
References
1. The official Elo ratings pages erroneously combine the pre-1923 IFA team's results with the post-1923 FAI team. The highest ranking for the pre-1923 team is 4th, in 1882-5.( World Football Elo Ratings: Ireland ) The "new" Northern Ireland team is introduced to the Elo ranking in 1923, with an initial points total higher than the FAI team inherits from the "old" IFA team: 1600 as opposed to 1522. The highest rank the IFA team subsequently attains, based on this erroneous beginning, is 15th, in May 1986.( World Football Elo Ratings: Northern Ireland )
2. NI back to reality
3. Northern Ireland 3-2 Spain
4. Denmark 0-0 N Ireland
5. N Ireland 1-0 Latvia
6. Liechtenstein 1-4 N Ireland
7. N Ireland 2-1 Sweden
8. BBC News Star helps in graffiti removal
9. Rewarded for uniting fans
10. Lennon hails anti-sectarian drive
11. PRAISE FOR IFA'S FOOTBALL FOR ALL AWARDS NIGHT
12. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/6902212.stm
13. Lord's Hansard on the question of building an NI national stadium
14. Tide Turns Against The Maze
15. BBC news story on NI ticket sales
16. IFA FAQ encompassing ticket sales
17. UEFA news story on 2006 Brussels International Supporters Award
Media coverage
Northern Ireland matches currently get shown on BBC Northern Ireland usually made available to the rest of the UK via BBCi and Sky Sports also show Northern Ireland matches but BBC Northern Ireland are soon to lose their rights to Sky Sports.
External links
★ Fermanagh Northern Ireland Supporters Club
★ Happy Days Fanzine
★ Irish Football Association - Northern Ireland Football official site
★ Northern Ireland Supporters Fanzine
★ Northern ireland Football site
★ Northern Ireland Football Project - Resource
★ Pacemaker Photographs
★ RSSSF archive of international results 1882-
★ 1st Banbridge Northern Ireland Supporters Club.
★ Hillsborough Northern Ireland Supporters Club.
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