It was 24 years ago to the week that the name of Ireland featured in a World Cup draw. For all the individual talent in England, their teams were unable to usurp the German, French and Spanish powerhouses in the Champions League. October 14: Crumlin-born Pico Lopes qualifies for the World Cup with Cape VerdeAnother Rovers resilience story of a different hue. Not only has he achieved it as Hoops captain but World Cup matches loom next summer against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. October 28: Abbie Larkin goal in Belgium seals World Cup playoff for IrelandUefa’s obsession with competitive games has created a plethora of extra playoff games.

Source: Irish Examiner December 31, 2025 06:13 UTC