The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams hasn’t made it any easier for teams of Ireland’s ilk – middle ranked UEFA nations – to reach the finals.
It’s proof enough that having eliminated Hungary in dramatic fashion, the Boys in Green still have to navigate two ties which are fast approaching.
At least Ireland have ample experience of play-offs. They’ve been regulars at this stage for over 30 years now.
Netherlands – a deleterious (bad) set of circumstances (1995)
Jack Charlton’s last stand as Ireland manager. The campaign to qualify for Euro 96 in England – purring along nicely until then – had imploded from the moment that Ireland…