Iconic Moments in Football No.43
This week’s iconic moment is from the 1994 World Cup in a group stage game between Mexico and the Republic of Ireland. It was both team’s second match of the tournament, with Ireland beating Italy 1-0 and Mexico losing 1-0 to Norway.
Italy had beaten Norway 1-0 the day before the Mexico vs Ireland game to put all four of the teams in the group on three points. A victory for the Irish would put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. This was because USA 94 was the last tournament to have 24 competing nations, with the four best third place teams qualifying for the next round.
The Mexico versus Ireland game took place on a roasting hot afternoon in Orlando, Florida. The Mexicans were more accustomed to the heat and went 2-0 up. Ireland manager Jack Charlton decided to bring striker John Aldridge on to try and get them back in the game.
FIFA officials on the touchline took longer than normal trying to get the appropriate information that was needed across to the fourth official. Both Charlton and Aldridge then began a vicious and angry tirade at the fourth official and a FIFA representative on the touchline. At one point, things got so heated that Aldridge had to be restrained from attacking the officials!
The whole episode was caught on camera and the expletives used were all picked up on the television coverage! I have put a video of the incident below.
Aldridge was finally allowed on six minutes after Jack Charlton first wanted to bring him on. He found the back of the net 17 minutes later but Ireland lost the game 2-1. His goal was to have greater implications after the final group matches were played.
Both John Aldridge and Jack Charlton were punished after the game for the incident around the substitution.
Mexico drew 1-1 with Italy in the final group game and in doing so topped the group having scored three goals. Ireland played out a goalless draw with Norway so all the teams finished on four points. Ireland finished in second place behind Mexico having scored twice in the tournament. Italy scraped through in third place and went on to reach the Final, where they lost on penalties to Brazil.
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