Northern Ireland is one of the smallest nations ever to play at a World Cup. Yet twice in a generation, its football team produced adventures that are still remembered with enormous pride.
Sweden, 1958
The 1958 World Cup was the only one at which all four British nations qualified. Northern Ireland, managed by Peter Doherty and captained by the elegant Danny Blanchflower of Tottenham, were among the smallest nations there.
In goal was Harry Gregg, who only months earlier had survived the Munich air disaster with Manchester United and had pulled fellow passengers from the wreckage. In Sweden he was outstanding, and he was widely regarded as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Forward Peter McParland scored five goals.
Northern Ireland beat Czechoslovakia in a play-off to reach the quarter-finals, where a tired and injury-hit team lost to France. It was a remarkable achievement for such a small country.
Spain, 1982
After decades without qualifying, Northern Ireland reached the 1982 World Cup in Spain under manager Billy Bingham. Their squad included Norman Whiteside, a 17-year-old from Belfast who became the youngest player ever to appear at a World Cup, breaking a record held by Pelé.
In their final group match they faced the hosts, Spain, in Valencia. Early in the second half, Gerry Armstrong drove the ball into the net. Even after Mal Donaghy was sent off, ten-man Northern Ireland held on to win 1–0 and top the group, sending shockwaves around the tournament.
The great player who never went
One of the curiosities of Northern Ireland's history is that its most famous footballer, George Best, never played at a World Cup. Best's peak years coincided with a period when the team did not qualify.
Still dreaming
Northern Ireland also qualified for the 1986 World Cup and, much later, reached the knockout stage of Euro 2016. Their story shows that in football, the size of a nation matters far less than the spirit of its team.
Watch: Northern Ireland stun hosts Spain
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