The Thierry Henry game, Tehran’s call to prayer, Bursa brawls with Tony Cascarino and the less-remembered Brussels night from 1997 – I’ve seen a few playoffs in my time. Iranian fans burn cardboard at the Iran v Republic of Ireland playoff second leg in the Azadi stadium in Tehran on November 15th, 2001. Kevin Kilbane celebrates with Matt Holland and Jason McAteer after the World Cup 2002 playoff second leg against Iran. America 2026: Listen to Kevin Kilbane and Paul Howard's World Cup podcast Listen | 00:56It was a miserable few days. Ireland players protest after Thierry Henry's extra-time goal in the Stade de France on November 18th, 2009.

Source: The Irish Times March 23, 2026 12:02 UTC