IRISH TEAM LINE UP
Republic of Ireland: 1 Pakie Bonner (Glasgow Celtic), 2 Denis Irwin (Manchester Utd), 3 Terry Phelan (Manchester City), 5 Paul McGrath (Aston Villa), 11 Steve Staunton (Aston Villa), 14 Phil Babb (Coventry City),
6 Roy Keane (Manchester United), 7 Andy Townsend (capt) (Aston Villa), 8 Ray Houghton (Aston Villa), 10 John Sheridan (Sheffield Wednesday) 15 Tommy Coyne (Motherwell)
Irish Football Manager: Jack Charlton Subs:21 Jason McAteer 67' (Bolton Wanderers) for Houghton, 9 John Aldridge 90' (Tranmere Rovers) for Coyne Goals: Houghton 12' Booked: Phelan 30', Coyne 50', Irwin 80'
RESULT: Ireland 1 - 0 Italy
To this day Paul McGrath's brilliant performance in defence (in spite of a shoulder injury) is remembered as one of the most iconic performances in the history of Irish sport.
"Big Paul McGrath showed all the qualities demanded of us for half an hour in Giants Stadium that day. For him the word big is appropriate. Known for his poise, his ability on the ball, his unique gift for reading the game, Paul displayed these qualities on this day. One other huge asset was his courage. When the Italians did get sight of the goal, Paul presented a final, insurmountable obstacle. Paul inspired us as much as in the end he demoralised Roberto Baggio and the other Italian players " Source: Roy Keane - Autobiography.
NEW YORK TIMES 1994: Glory for The Green - Ireland Stuns Italy
PHOTO © David Maher / SPORTSFILE
