Classic Euro Moments: Ireland v England

Both a moment and 90 minutes worth of moments. Ireland made its first ever journey to a major tournament to Euro 88 in West Germany, and were kindly introduced to England in their first game. Big game, it was safe to say, and one which they weren’t expected to win. But as we’ve seen so many times, class doesn’t always dance with result at the European Championships. Lilliputian Ray Houghton leapt and nodded a lollipop into the back of the net and the rest, as they say, is history.

This moment led Irish folksinger Christy Moore to compose a humorous song about the event called “Joxer Goes to Stuttgart,” about a band of Irishmen traveling to Germany for the big game “with the engine overheating from long haul and duty-free.” Lyrics include these verses:

The next morning none of the experts gave us the slightest chance
They said the English team would lead us on a merry dance
With their Union Jacks all them English fans for victory they were set
Until Ray Houghton got the ball and he stuck it in the net.

What happened next is history, brought tears to many eyes
That day will be the highlight of many people’s lives
Joxer climbed right over the top and the last time he was seen
Was arm in arm with Jack Charlton singing, Revenge for Skibereen.