In 1965, Ireland played Spain in a World Cup play-off game. The winner would reach the World Cup finals to be held in England the following year. Eamon Dunphy made his debut for Ireland in the game held in Paris, which Ireland lost 1-0 in a performance the Irish players felt they could be proud of.  “We were not aware until much later that we were only playing in Paris because the men in charge had sold us down the river,” John Giles, who had also played that night, would later write in his autobiography.  The story, which has never…

Want to continue reading?

Introductory offer: Sign up today and pay €200 for an annual membership, a saving of €50.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .