Three historic moments.
Three beautiful moments.
Across three different months at the end of 2015, the Republic of Ireland stepped up. Amidst a topsy-turvy campaign, Martin O’Neill’s men showed balls of steel and a hell of a lot of talent to hit three of the most important goals in the country’s history when they needed them most.
In September, they snatched their destiny back out of the hands of Scotland and took control of it themselves again. In October, the Germans came to town. In November, France called.
It’s not only fitting that three of the most crucial strikes are the FAI’s three nominations for goal of the year (announced at their Three International Awards on Sunday night – live on RTÉ 2 from 8pm). But they’re also deservedly there on pure aesthetic, technical merit.
Throw in the occasions and the importance of them and you have moments of legend.
1. Jon Walters v Georgia
Should really be Jeff Hendrick v Georgia. On an edgy night at the Aviva, it was a moment of pure genius and individual brilliance that broke the deadlock and won the game that Ireland needed to win to put qualification back in their own hands.
There wasn’t much by way of chances, the crowd was on the team’s back, the country was apathetic about its football – BOOM. Step forward, Jeff Hendrick. His trickery cutting in from the left was mesmerising and it was just up to Jon Walters to want it more and get there first. Say no more.
The first nominee for Goal of the Year, Jonathan Walters v Georgia! #COYBIGhttps://t.co/bi04VUXAaS
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 18, 2016
2. Shane Long v Germany
Will arguably go on to become the most famous goal in Irish history.
You cannot watch this moment of immortality without being overcome with goosebumps.
The world champions came to Dublin and they were humbled by two Irish subs, Darren Randolph and Shane Long.
The roar of the crowd as they realise the striker is in behind. The bigger roar when his first touch is on the money. The silence before Long strikes against the best goalkeeper on the planet. The scenes as he rips the top corner of the German net.
The Aviva shaking on its hinges. Dublin found its voice again. Ireland fell in love with football all over. A country rose off its knees.
The second nominee for Goal of the Year is this strike from Shane Long against Germany! #COYBIGhttps://t.co/aYbwOnpIRu
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 19, 2016
3. Robbie Brady v Bosnia
You’ll never forget that night Robbie Brady appeared from the fog celebrating. The RTÉ commentators unsure what had happened but they assumed it was a goal – and a goal to Ireland – by looking at the celebrations.
Pace, directness, those two touches to pull back and then nick away from the tackle and the fine, fine strike to beat the ‘keeper but, not only that, give Ireland a priceless away goal and set them up for qualification to France in those tense play-offs.
The final nomination for Goal of the Year is the best goal we've never seen, Robbie Brady's away to Bosnia! #COYBIGhttps://t.co/6T60HRKrzV
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 19, 2016
