Irish 1974 World Cup Qualifying Campaign

For the 1974 World Cup Finals in West Germany the Republic of Ireland soccer team was drawn in qualifying Group 9 that also included the Soviet Union and France. The top team would qualify for a play-off match to reach the finals in West Germany. Liam Tuohy, who had replaced Mick Meagan, was Republic of Ireland soccer manager for this qualification campaign.

In Ireland’s first qualifying match at Lansdowne Road (now the Aviva Stadium) the Soviet Union took the points through two second half goals from Vladimir Fedotov and Viktor Mikhailovich Kolotov. Despite a late consolation goal from Stoke City’s Terry Conroy the Irish were left empty handed.

Next up was the French soccer team who had already beaten the Soviets in Paris. A victory for the Irish would open the group up again as each team would have one win and one loss. Once again Terry Conroy chipped in with a goal in the first half at Dalymount Park. In the 66th minute Jean-Michel Larque equalised for France. Ray Treacy scored the winner for Ireland in the 77th minute to give the Republic a famous victory and put the team back in contention for a World Cup Finals slot.

Unfortunately for Ireland the Soviet Union completed a home and away double with a 1-0 victory in Moscow. Vladimir Ivanovich Onischenko scored the deciding goal 13 minutes into the second half. Six days later the Republic played out a 1-1 draw in Paris against France. Mick Martin scored the equaliser with seven minutes remaining on the clock.

Ireland finished second in the three team group three points behind the Soviet Union but ahead of France on goal difference. The soviets were required to play-off against Chile on a home and away basis. After a 0-0 draw in Moscow the Soviet Union refused to play the return leg in Chile due to political reasons. Chile was awarded the World Cup Finals place for West Germany 1974.

Due to pressure from other commitments Liam Tuohy resigned as Irish team manager at the end of the 1974 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Irish World Cup 1974 Qualifying Campaign – Group Table

Republic of Ireland World Cup 1974 Qualifying Campaign – Match Results

Irish World Cup Qualifying Group Results

Number of Appearances and Goals Scored in Irish World Cup Qualifying Campaigns

Irish European Championship Qualifying Group Results

Number of Appearances and Goals Scored in Irish Euro Championship Finals Qualifying Campaigns