Irish 1954 World Cup Qualifying Campaign

In the 1954 World Cup Finals qualification competition the Republic of Ireland soccer team was drawn in Group 4 that also included France and Luxembourg. The group winner would qualify automatically for the finals in Switzerland. This was in the era before there were Irish soccer managers as we know them and when the Irish soccer team was picked by a selection committee.

Ireland hosted France in a rip-roaring tie at Dalymount Park in early October 1953. The French had established a 0-3 lead by the fifth minute of the second half. Derby County inside forward Reg Ryan (sometimes known as Paddy Ryan) scored from the penalty spot with just over a half hour remaining to the final whistle. Ten minutes later Joseph Ujlaki netted his second goal of the match restore the three goal French advantage. Three minutes later France made it 1-5 through AS Troyes-Savinienne striker Pierre Flamion.

With seven minutes left the Irish pulled a goal back when Aston Villa striker Davy Walsh scored. With just two minutes left Frank O’Farrell from West Ham finished the scoring to leave the final score 3-5 to France. O’Farrell was to go on to become the manager of Manchester United in 1971.

In the next match later in that October Ireland had a comfortable 4-0 home win over Luxembourg. Middlesboro’s Arthur Fitzsimons bagged two goals and Reg Ryan and Everton’s Tommy Eglington scored one each.

In the penultimate match in Group 4 match Ireland lost 1-0 to France in Paris. Roger Piantoni of Nancy scored the winner midway through the second half. In the final match of this 1954 World Cup Finals qualifying group Ireland beat Luxembourg away from home. Luton Town’s George Cummins, an inside forward, scored the only goal of the match in the second half to secure victory for the Irish. The French who won all four of their qualifiers had reached the 1954 World Cup Finals in Switzerland.

Irish World Cup 1954 Qualifying Campaign – Group Table

Republic of Ireland World Cup 1954 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