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Northern Ireland national football team
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The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football. In such events, the constituent countries of the United Kingdom compete separately, but do not participate in the Olympic Games. Before 1921, all of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom and was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, of which Northern Ireland is the continuation; as such, Northern Ireland is the fourth oldest international football team in the world. The independent Republic of Ireland now has its own team.
History
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On February 18, 1882, two years after the founding of the Irish FA, Ireland made their international debut against England, losing 13-0 in a friendly played at Bloomfield Park in Belfast. This remains the record win for England and the record defeat for the Northern Ireland team. The Irish line-up that day included Samuel Johnston, who at the age of 15 years and 153 days became the youngest international debutant of the 1800s. On February 25, 1882 Ireland played their second international against Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham and an equaliser from Johnston became Ireland’s first ever goal. The goal also saw Johnston become the 1800s youngest ever international goalscorer.
In 1884 Ireland competed in the inaugural British Home Championship and lost all three games. Ireland did not win their first game until February 19, 1887, a 4-1 win over Wales in Belfast. Between their debut and this game, they had a run of 14 defeats and 1 draw, the longest run without a win in the 1800s. Despite the end of this run, heavy defeats continued. On March 3, 1888 they lost 11-0 to Wales and three weeks later on March 24 they lost 10-2 to Scotland. Further heavy defeats came on March 15, 1890 when they lost 9-1 to England, on February 18, 1899 when they lost 13-2 to England and on February 2, 1901 when they lost 11-0 to Scotland.
In 1899 the Irish FA also changed its rules governing the selection of non-resident players. Before then the Ireland team selected its players exclusively form the Irish League, in particular the three Belfast-based clubs Linfield, Cliftonville and Distillery. On March 4, 1899 for the game against Wales, McAteer included four Irish players based in England. The change in policy produced dividends as Ireland won 1-0. Three weeks later, on March 25 one of these four players, Archie Goodall, aged 34 years and 279 days, became the oldest player to score in international football during the 19th century when he scored Ireland’s goal in a 9-1 defeat to Scotland.
In 1920 Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. In 1922, Southern Ireland gained independence as the Irish Free State, later to become Republic of Ireland. Amid these political upheavals, a rival football association, the Football Association of Ireland, emerged in Dublin in 1921 and organised a separate league and international team. In 1923, at a time when the home nations had withdrawn from FIFA, the FAI was recognised by FIFA as the governing body of the Irish Free State on the condition that it changed its name to the Football Association of the Irish Free State. The Irish FA continued to organise its national team on an all-Ireland basis.
Between 1928 and 1946 the IFA were not affiliated to FIFA and the two Ireland teams co-existed, never competing in the same competition. However on March 8, 1950, in a 0-0 draw with Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, the IFA fielded a team that included four players who were born in the Irish Free State. As well as being part of the qualifier for the 1950 FIFA World Cup. All four players had previously played for the FAI in their qualifiers and as a result had played for two different associations in the same FIFA World Cup tournament.
After complaints from the FAI, FIFA intervened, and restricted players' eligibility based on the political border. In 1953 FIFA ruled neither team could be referred to as Ireland, decreeing that the FAI team be officially designated as the Republic of Ireland, while the IFA team was to become Northern Ireland. The IFA objected and in 1954 was permitted to continue using the name Ireland, and to select players from throughout the island in the non-FIFA regulated British Home Championship.
Past performances
Until the 1950s, the major competition for Northern Ireland/Ireland was the British Home Championship. The team had won the competition eight times, taking the title outright on three occasions, they were the last winners of the now defunct competition held in 1984, and hence still are the British champions, and the trophy remains the property of the Irish FA. This is much celebrated by their fans.citation needed
World Cup
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. In 1982, Norman Whiteside became the youngest ever player in the World Cup finals, a record that still stands. 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. This is in despite of the fact that Northern Ireland beat the former West Germany 1-0 home and away in qualifiers for Euro 84. More recently, David Healy broke the record for goals scored in one Euro campaign, previously held by Davor Suker of Croatia, by scoring 13 times in Northern Ireland's brave, but ultimately doomed, attempt to qualify for Euro 2008. Healy scored thrice against Spain, twice against Sweden, 5 times against Liechtenstein, once against Denmark, once against Latvia, and also scored against Iceland. He also became the first player ever to score 2 hat tricks for Northern Ireland.
Recent history
Lawrie Sanchez was appointed in January 2004 after a run of ten games without a goal under the previous manager Sammy McIlroy, which was a world record for any international team. 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 7 September 2005 Northern Ireland beat 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 6 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 scored thirteen out of Northern Ireland's fifteen Euro 2008 qualification goals in seven matches, and was the leading goalscorer in the competition.
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 |
| 456 |
112 |
97 |
247 |
490 |
945 |
-455 |
- All matches including friendlies ‡
| P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Gd |
| 532 |
133 |
119 |
280 |
567 |
1055 |
-488 |
Data correct as of N.Ireland v Georgia 26 March 2008
The team have also won the Home Championship 8 times, including 5 shared.
Current campaigns
World Cup
See the main article 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - UEFA Group 3
Northern Ireland are to begin a campaign to qualify for the 2010 World cup; they were seeded in the third pot.
N. Ireland are due to play against the teams of Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland in a biannual round robin tournament starting in 2011.
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, and current coach, of Celtic F.C., was given a death-threat, due to his association with Celtic F.C., by loyalists in Rathcoolecitation needed. Lennon had been subject to boos and jeers from some supporters while playing for Northern Ireland in Windsor Park. He was though cheered to the tune of "there's only one Neil Lennon" throughout by the majority of the Windsor Park crowd.
Steps have been taken to eradicate the sectarian element within the support,[2] and these have proved to be very successful[3]. Lennon has been quick to heap praise on the Northern Ireland fans,[4] and in particular "Football For All" Outstanding Achievement Award Winner Stewart MacAfee,[5] for the work they have carried out to create a more inclusive atmosphere at international games.
| “ |
People like Stewart are the unsung heroes who have been brave enough to challenge sectarianism and who have actively created a more fun, safe and family-orientated atmosphere at international games. Fans like Stewart have made the atmosphere at Northern Ireland football games in recent years the envy of Fans across not only Europe but World football. From a personal point of view I would like to thank them for their efforts. |
” |
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—Neil Lennon
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Northern Ireland flags issue
Future international matches
Northern Ireland matches scheduled for 2008[6]:
| Date |
Venue |
Opponent |
Score |
Competition |
Location |
| 2008-02-06 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
 Bulgaria |
0-1 |
International Match |
 |
| 2008-03-26 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
 Georgia |
4-1 |
International Match |
|
| 2008-08-20 |
Hampden Park, Glasgow |
 Scotland |
0-0 |
International Match |
|
| 2008-09-06 |
Tehelné Pole Stadion, Bratislava |
 Slovakia |
|
World Cup qualification |
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| 2008-09-10 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
 Czech Republic |
|
World Cup qualification |
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| 2008-10-11 |
Stadion Ljudski vrt, Maribor |
 Slovenia |
|
World Cup qualification |
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| 2008-10-15 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
 San Marino |
|
World Cup qualification |
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| 2008-11-19 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
 Hungary |
|
International Match |
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| 2009-02-11 |
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San Marino |
|
World Cup qualification |
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| 2009-03-28 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
 Poland |
|
World Cup qualification |
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| 2009-04-01 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
Slovenia |
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World Cup qualification |
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| 2009-09-05 |
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Poland |
|
World Cup qualification |
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| 2009-09-09 |
Windsor Park, Belfast |
Slovakia |
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World Cup qualification |
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| 2009-10-14 |
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Czech Republic |
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World Cup qualification |
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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, Belfast, home of Linfield F.C., which they have use of on a one hundred and eight year year lease, giving the owners 15% of revenue, including gate receipts and TV rights.[7].
There was a proposal to build a multisports stadium for Northern Ireland at the disused Maze prison outside Lisburn for the use of Rugby, Gaelic games and football.[8] This plan was given an "in principle" go-ahead by the Irish Football Association. However, it was opposed by fans, over 85% of whom in a match day poll conducted by the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs ("AONISC") preferred to stay at a smaller new or redeveloped ground in the city of Belfast [9]. The AONISC organised a protest against the move to the Maze at the game against Estonia in March 2006.
The issue assumed ever greater urgency by 2007, following a series of inspections which questioned the suitability of Windsor Park to host international football[10]. Following a reduction of capacity due to the closure of the Railway Stand, the IFA made it known that they wished to terminate their contract for the use of the stadium.[11] A report on health and safety in October 2007 indicated that the South Stand might have to be closed for internationals, which would further reduce the stadium's capacity to 9,000.[12] In April 2008, Belfast City Council announced that they had commissioned Drivers Jonas to conduct a feasibility study into the building of a Sports Stadium in Belfast which could accommodate international football, which was followed at the beginning of May 2008 by speculation that the Maze Stadium project was going to be radically revised by Peter Robinson, the Finance and Personnel Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, so that any construction might be used for purposes other than football, rugby union and GAA sports. Given the time that is needed to build a new stadium, in the absence of significant work improving Windsor Park, Northern Ireland may be forced to play their home games at a venue outside Northern Ireland for a period. Everton FC's Goodison Park in Liverpool has been touted as a possible alternative.
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.[13][14] Tongue-in-cheek songs such as "We're not Brazil, we're Northern Ireland" (sung to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic), 'It's Just Like Watching Brazil' and 'Stand up for the Ulstermen' are popular at home matches. In 2006, Northern Ireland's supporters were awarded the Brussels International Supporters Award,[15] for their charity work, general good humour and behaviour and efforts to stamp out sectarianism. 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 were called up for the friendly match against Scotland on 20 August 2008. (Cap and goal totals updated as of August 20)
| No. |
Pos. |
Player |
DoB (Age) |
Caps |
Goals |
Club |
|
GK |
Maik Taylor |
September 4, 1971 (1971-09-04) (age 36) |
69 |
0 |
 Birmingham City |
|
GK |
Alan Mannus |
May 19, 1982 (1982-05-19) (age 26) |
3 |
0 |
Linfield |
|
DF |
Chris Baird |
February 25, 1982 (1982-02-25) (age 26) |
33 |
0 |
Fulham |
|
DF |
Aaron Hughes |
November 8, 1979 (1979-11-08) (age 28) |
59 |
0 |
Fulham |
|
DF |
Stephen Craigan |
October 29, 1976 (1976-10-29) (age 31) |
36 |
0 |
Motherwell |
|
DF |
Gareth McAuley |
December 5, 1979 (1979-12-05) (age 28) |
11 |
0 |
Ipswich Town |
|
DF |
George McCartney |
April 29, 1981 (1981-04-29) (age 27) |
25 |
1 |
West Ham |
|
DF |
Jonny Evans |
January 3, 1988 (1988-01-03) (age 20) |
11 |
0 |
Manchester United |
|
DF |
Michael Duff |
January 11, 1978 (1978-01-11) (age 30) |
21 |
0 |
Burnley |
|
DF |
Ryan McGivern |
January 8, 1990 (1990-01-08) (age 18) |
1 |
0 |
Manchester City |
|
MF |
Steven Davis |
January 1, 1985 (1985-01-01) (age 23) |
29 |
1 |
Rangers |
|
MF |
Keith Gillespie |
February 18, 1975 (1975-02-18) (age 33) |
81 |
2 |
Sheffield United |
|
MF |
Michael O'Connor |
October 6, 1987 (1987-10-06) (age 20) |
2 |
0 |
Crewe Alexandra |
|
MF |
Sammy Clingan |
January 13, 1984 (1984-01-13) (age 24) |
16 |
0 |
Norwich City |
|
MF |
Chris Brunt |
December 14, 1984 (1984-12-14) (age 23) |
18 |
0 |
West Bromwich Albion |
|
MF |
Dean Shiels |
February 1, 1985 (1985-02-01) (age 23) |
4 |
0 |
Hibernian |
|
FW |
David Healy |
August 5, 1979 (1979-08-05) (age 29) |
65 |
34 |
Sunderland |
|
FW |
Kyle Lafferty |
September 16, 1987 (1987-09-16) (age 20) |
16 |
5 |
Rangers |
|
FW |
Peter Thompson |
May 2, 1984 (1984-05-02) (age 24) |
7 |
1 |
Stockport County |
|
FW |
Warren Feeney |
January 17, 1981 (1981-01-17) (age 27) |
25 |
3 |
Dundee United |
|
FW |
Martin Paterson |
May 10, 1987 (1987-05-10) (age 21) |
3 |
0 |
Burnley |
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Recent Call Ups
The following players have also recently been called up to the Northern Ireland squad.
| No. |
Pos. |
Player |
DoB (Age) |
Caps |
Goals |
Club |
|
GK |
Roy Carroll† |
September 30, 1977 (1977-09-30) (age 30) |
19 |
0 |
Derby County |
|
GK |
Michael McGovern† |
July 12, 1984 (1984-07-12) (age 24) |
0 |
0 |
Dundee United |
|
DF |
Sean Webb‡ |
January 4, 1983 (1983-01-04) (age 25) |
3 |
0 |
unattached |
|
DF |
Tony Capaldi¶ |
August 12, 1981 (1981-08-12) (age 27) |
21 |
0 |
 Cardiff City |
|
MF |
Michael Gault† |
April 15, 1983 (1983-04-15) (age 25) |
1 |
0 |
Linfield |
|
MF |
Ivan Sproule‡ |
February 18, 1981 (1981-02-18) (age 27) |
10 |
1 |
Bristol City |
|
MF |
Damien Johnson† |
November 18, 1978 (1978-11-18) (age 29) |
48 |
0 |
Birmingham City |
|
MF |
Stuart Elliott† |
July 23, 1978 (1978-07-23) (age 30) |
38 |
4 |
Doncaster Rovers |
|
MF |
Steve Robinson‡ |
December 10, 1974 (1974-12-10) (age 33) |
7 |
0 |
unattached |
|
MF |
Steve Jones# |
October 25, 1976 (1976-10-25) (age 31) |
29 |
1 |
Burnley |
|
MF |
Grant McCann# |
April 14, 1980 (1980-04-14) (age 28) |
16 |
1 |
Scunthorpe United |
|
MF |
Gary Hamilton¶ |
October 6, 1980 (1980-10-06) (age 27) |
5 |
0 |
Glentoran |
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Coaching staff
History in major tournaments
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World Cup
European Championships
Notable former players
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This is a list of famous or notable sports persons with no clear inclusion or exclusion criteria, and as such should not be treated as encylopedic. Please help to improve Wikipedia by ensuring that there is specific reason for the selected players. It would be useful to establish WP:CONSENSUS for such criteria on the talk page, using guidance available at WP:NOTED PLAYER. If no criteria is forthcoming, the section is liable to deletion.
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- See also: :Category:Northern Ireland international footballers
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Goalkeepers
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Defenders
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Midfielders
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Strikers
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Gerry Armstrong, The scorer of Northern Ireland's winning goal over Spain in the 1982 World cup
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Managers
Peter Doherty who managed Northern Ireland for eleven years
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