Fans relishing trip down memory lane
 The
STADIUM might now have a new look and name to it but for the thousands
of Irish supporters returning to Stuttgart 18 years on from the Republic
of Ireland’s historic 1-0 win over England this is a very special
place indeed.
June 12, 1988 will always be remembered as the date on which Irish soccer
burst onto the world stage as the underdogs in green humbled a world-class
English side who believed they could win the entire tournament.
The Neckarstadion rocked as Irish fans celebrated like never before, a
sixth-minute Ray Houghton headed goal had given us a win we would never
forget.
Christy Moore wrote a song in honour of the win, T-shirt companies went
into overdrive and Jack Charlton had become the most popular man in Ireland
even though he himself was a former World Cup winner with England!
The win changed the way the country looked at soccer and the fighting
spirit of the Irish side soon become a huge source of pride and all because
of glorious Stuttgart!
Hundreds of members of the Republic of Ireland supporters club in Britain
are preparing for the trip back to Stuttgart.
It’s a game many wouldn’t miss and the result on Saturday
is for some secondary — this will be a trip down memory lane.
Paul Franklin of the Republic of Ireland supporters club believes that
many of the fans who attended that Euro ‘88 game will be back to
cheer on the boys in green this weekend.
He said “It was such a special win for Irish supporters that most
would come back here given any excuse.
“I know tickets were sold very quickly for the game so it’ll
be a very significant occasion.
“Even though there’s now a new stadium I know my ticket for
the Germany game is very close to where I was seated for the England game
all those years ago. Once we get the same result I’ll be ecstatic.”
On Saturday afternoon in Stuttgart the city’s main square will be
cloaked in green as Irish fans reminisce on one of the greatest day in
Irish soccer history.
Let’s hope they will be able to do the same in years to come when
looking back at the Germany game.
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