1968 European Nations Cup - Irish Qualifying Campaign

In the 1968 European Nations Cup (now known as the European Championship) only four teams qualified for the Finals. For the 1968 soccer tournament UEFA introduced qualifying groups for the first time.

In an era when the Republic of Ireland soccer team was chosen by a selection committee the Irish were drawn in a four team group for the first time ever. For the third qualifying campaign in the 1960's Ireland was drawn against Spain, and for a second time in the decade versus Czechoslovakia.

Ireland beat Turkey at Dalymount Park, and lost away, by an identical 2-1 score line. Strangely Ireland lost 0-2 at home to Czechoslovakia yet won 1-2 in Prague. The old nemesis Spain beat the Irish in Spain and earned a 0-0 draw in Dublin.

Spain topped the group on eight points and Ireland finished in third place on five points.

1968 European Nations Cup Qualifying Campaign - Group Table

European Nations Cup 1968 - Qualifying Group 1
Nation	Played	Won	Drew	Lost	Goals F	Goals A	Points
Spain	6	3	2	1	6	2	8
Czechoslovakia	6	3	1	2	8	4	7
Ireland	6	2	1	3	5	8	5
Turkey	6	1	2	3	3	8	4

Republic of Ireland 1968 Nations Cup Qualifying Campaign - Match 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

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