Republic of Ireland v Spain Football Results

The Republic of Ireland has played Spain 25 times, more often than any other international opposition. As the tables below demonstrate Ireland has a poor record against the Spanish.

Ireland, (then the Irish Free State) first played Spain in 1931 in the Montjuic Stadium in Barcelona in front of an attendance of 100,000. The Irish earned a creditable 1-1 draw with the Irish goal scored by Paddy Moore in the first half. Unfortunately the return friendly later that year in December was a portent of things to come. In front of 35,000 fans at Dalymount Park the Irish were hammered 0-5 by their Spanish visitors.

Ireland recorded a first win over Spain fifteen years later, after the end of the second World War, in the Metropolitano in Madrid in front of 45,000 fans. Paddy Sloan’s first half goal was enough to secure the win.

Ireland Play Spain in Paris

One of the more notable of the encounters between the two countries includes the Ireland-Spain 1966 World Cup Play-off that was staged in Paris in November 1965. Ireland narrowly missed out on qualification for a first major football finals championship. On a black day for the FAI and Irish football, Ireland’s chances of qualifying for the 1966 World Cup finals in England were severely undermined as the officials agreed to allow the match to be played in Paris in exchange for the gate receipts (and, it’s rumoured, a case of wine). The Stade Colombes in Paris was filled by Spanish supporters effectively making the tie a home match for the Spanish team. A late goal from Athletico Madrid’s Ufarte earned the Spaniards a 1-0 win. Manchester United goalkeeper, Pat Dunne, commented after the match that the only Irish tricolour that he saw in the ground was the official flag on the flag pole. The game was also notable for the fact that RTE football pundit, Eamon Dunphy made his debut for Ireland in the match.

Ireland Play Spain at Flower Lodge in Cork

Another match between Ireland and Spain worth a mention is the friendly tie in May 1985 at Flower Lodge in Cork. The venue (now the GAA’s Páirc Uí Rinn) was chosen to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Cork’s charter of 1185. It was the only senior international match ever played at Flower Lodge. Managed by Eoin Hand at the time, Ireland earned a 0-0 draw.

Ireland Play Spain in Suwon, South Korea

A more recent notable clash between Ireland and Spain came during Ireland’s participation in the 2002 World Cup Finals. In the wake of the Saipan incident Ireland had exceeded all expectations notwithstanding the absence of the magnificent Roy Keane. The Irish had emerged from a tough group that involved matches with Cameroon, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.

Waiting for the Irish in the knockout stages in Suwon were the Spanish. During the 24th encounter between the two countries Ireland came within a whisker of qualifying for a quarter final tie with hosts South Korea. The score stood at 1-1 after extra time in a match in which the Irish were the better team. Unfortunately the ensuing penalty shoot-out did not favour the Irish as Matt Holland hit the post and David Connolly and Kevin Kilbane had their penalties saved by Casillas.

Republic of Ireland Match Results Against Spain

Republic of Ireland v Spain Record Summary

Ireland v Spain World Cup Finals Record

Ireland v Spain World Cup Qualifiers Record

Ireland v Spain Euro Qualifiers Record

Ireland v Spain Friendly Matches Record