The Republic of Ireland, alongside Umbro, has enjoyed some truly historic matches down through the years.
Since 1994 there have been so many ups and downs for the Boys in Green – close calls, what ifs and plenty of memorable moments to saviour.
If you want to check out more on the history of Umbro and the Republic of Ireland, check out this blog.
However, if you’re here to take a trip down memory lane of some of the most famous and historic Republic of Ireland matches down through the years – get comfortable.
In this blog we’re going to go through some of best and famous games in the Republic of Ireland and Umbro’s history.
Historic Republic of Ireland Matches: 1994
USA ’94 – the 15th World Cup in history and one that broke numerous tournament records for attendance, despite soccer’s relative lack of popularity in the States.
Brazil were the eventual winners, defeating Italy 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the Rose Bowl, California.
The Republic of Ireland would make it to the Last 16, before getting knocked out by a Netherlands side who boasted the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Frank Rijkaard in soaring temperatures.
However, it was a tournament to saviour and the Republic of Ireland did the jersey proud.
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Italy
Giants Stadium (75,338 attendance)
Without the doubt the highlight of the tournament!
A Ray Houghton stunner inspired the Republic of Ireland to a famous victory over the eventual runners-up of the tournament, Italy.
Amazingly, it was the Republic of Ireland’s first ever win at a World Cup and one of the best performances under Jack Charlton’s famous era.
It could have been bigger too, with John Sheridan seeing a short crash off the bar late on after an assist by a young Roy Keane in front of rapturous Irish-American and Italian-American crowd.
The Italians had the likes of Robert Baggio, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Giuseppe Signori.
But Paul McGrath, Steve Staunton, Keane, Denis Irwin, Phil Babb and Houghton had different ideas.
Netherlands 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Citrus Bowl, Orlando (61846 attendance)
After finishing in second place in Group E, the Republic of Ireland faced the unenviable task of the Netherlands in the Last 16.
The soaring West Coast temperatures had evidently impacted the Republic of Ireland in their Group Stage defeat to Mexico in the previous round and it wasn’t looking any easier this time around.
An aging Irish team found the going difficult, particularly against the speedy wingers Marc Overmars and Peter Van Vossen and it only took 11 minutes for maestro Dennis Bergkamp to put them ahead.
Five minutes before half time they doubled their lead after an unusual error from Packie Bonner in the Republic of Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland did pull one back late on through Ray Houghton but it was disallowed for a foul in the build-up although it was a defeat, it was a really historic match.
Historic Republic of Ireland Matches: 2001
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Netherlands
Landsdowne Road, Dublin (49,000 attendance)
Perhaps one of the most famous games in recent times and one that booked Republic of Ireland’s ticket to the 2002 World Cup.
Despite being reduced to ten men, a Jason McAteer goal gave registered one of the most historic Republic of Ireland matches in recent times.
Maybe it was some redemption built up since 1994, but the Republic of Ireland stirred every ounce of motivation to get over the line.
Gary Kelly was dismissed in the 58th minute for a second yellow card, but McAteer fired home a famous goal nine minutes later in spectacular fashion to send the Dublin crowd into a frenzy.
Not even the genius of Marc Overmars, Mark van Bommell, Patrick Kluivert or Ruud Van Nistelrooy could get the Netherlands back in the game.
Roy Keane, Richard Dunne, Steve Staunton and Damien Duff were sensational as the Republic of Ireland withstood some late pressure to see out the famous, famous win.
Historic Republic of Ireland Matches: 2002
After missing out on qualification for the 1998 World Cup, the Republic of Ireland booked their spot on the plane to South Korea and Japan in 2002.
The Republic of Ireland’s competition was embroiled in off-the-field controversy, after captain Roy Keane was sent home after a fall out with manager Mick McCarthy.
None the less, the tournament was a big success for the Republic of Ireland, ending in heartbreaking circumstances in a penalty shootout in the Last 16.
Republic of Ireland 1 Germany 1
Kashima Stadium, Kashima (35,854 attendance)
A seismic moment in the history of Irish football and one that very, very few will ever forget.
The Republic of Ireland needed to avoid defeat to leave qualification into the knockout stages in their own hands and they did just that.
A 92nd minute goal from our best-ever goal scorer Robbie Keane earned the Republic a deserved draw against one of the Tournament’s favourites.
A long ball flicked on perfectly into the path of Keane before he sent his shot crashing past Oliver Khan sent Irish fans into ecstasy – another knockout run in the World Cup was within their grasp.
Miroslav Klose’s goal after 18 minutes could easily have rattled the Republic of Ireland into their shells, but the Boys in Green dug deep and gave every bit as much as they got.
Damien Duff had a huge opportunity saved in the second half, while Matt Holland flashed his snapshot just wide from the edge of the box in the first.
Michael Ballack set up Carsten Jancker at the other end but the brilliant Shay Given was not to be beaten this time.
The win sent the Irish into the final game against Saudi Arabia needing a win to qualify and that is what they did.
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Spain (Spain won 3-2 on penalties)
International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama (65,320 attendance)
This is certainly one that got away for the Irish.
After falling behind to an early Fernando Morientes goal, the Republic of Ireland would rally in the second half to send the game to extra time through none other than Robbie Keane.
A change of system reaped huge reward for the Irish and they dominated for the remainder of the game, with Ian Harte having a penalty saved by Iker Casillas after Damien Duff was brought down.
Kevin Kilbane sent the rebound wide with the goal absolutely at his mercy.
With the clock ticking down and Mick McCarthy’s men wasting further chances through Keane and Duff, their pressure was eventually awarded when Niall Quinn was fouled in the box late on.
Robbie Keane stepped up and sent the game to extra time.
From their they continued to have plenty of chances through Keane and Gary Breen against a now ten-man Spain.
However they was to be no winner and penalties were needed.
Matt Holland, David Connolly and Kilbane all missed their spot kicks before Mendieta stepped up for the decider to break Irish hearts.
Historic Republic of Ireland Matches: 2016
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Italy
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve (44,268 attendance)
A header for the ages!
Robbie Brady became the hero of the Republic of Ireland as his dramatic late winner secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2016.
In a must-win match against Italy, Martin O'Neill's side had struggled to break through the Italian defense until the 85th minute when Brady headed home a cross from Wes Hoolahan.
The goal ignited an explosion of joyous celebrations from the Republic players, coaching staff, and passionate supporters who had taken over the Stade Pierre Mauroy in France.
Their remarkable victory against Italy will forever be etched in Irish football history as one of the most famous wins.
The triumph sparked a jubilant celebration that reverberated through the streets of Lille, where fans and players alike embraced the momentous achievement.
The Republic of Ireland would go on to face the hosts, France, in the last 16, further adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding their impressive Euro 2016 campaign.
We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane with all these historic Republic of Ireland matches.
For what we lack in silverware, the Irish certainly make it up in drama.
We can’t wait for the next two decades of Irish football for more excitement.
