The Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán is an imposing stadium situated in Seville, Spain. The Spanish national football team is so far to date undefeated in international competition at this venue. We had the greatest of opportunities to be the team that brought an end to that run in a World Cup qualifier back in November 1992.
With an inspired Roy Keane giving the Spanish the run around in midfield and with the Spanish down to 10 men John Aldridge thought he had given Ireland the lead as he rounded the keeper having been put through by a superb ball from Niall Quinn. The large travelling Irish support in the stadium went wild but the linesman had other ideas though as he raised his flag to give the offside decision against Aldridge. Clearly he was onside from the replays but unfortunately the officials decision is final.
The game finished 0 - 0 and Spain were extremely lucky to get out of the game with a draw as Ireland played out of their skins for the 90 minutes. We did go on to qualify from the group for the 1994 World Cup thanks in part to that result. To this day Spain still remain unbeaten at the Ramon and we can only wonder what if??
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