Posted on 09/08/2005 6:12:43 AM PDT by elc
NI celebrates win over England
Football fans across Northern Ireland are basking in the glory of the national team's shock World Cup victory over England in Belfast. By:Press Association
Lawrie Sanchez`s men had been given little hope against a star-studded England side which included David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
But Leeds United striker David Healy sent the capacity-crowd Windsor Park crowd wild with a stunning strike in the 74th minute.
The 1-0 Group Six win was Northern Ireland`s first over England for 33 years and one of the greatest sporting successes in the province`s history.
Politicians hailed the achievement of a team ranked 116th in the world in overcoming Sven-Goran Eriksson`s multi-million pound side which, until recently, had been touted as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup in Germany next summer.
Police praised the 14,000 fans who attended the match and said there were no arrests before, during or after the game.
Democratic Unionist Party leader the Rev Ian Paisley led tributes to the players and management.
The North Antrim MP said: "I warmly congratulate the Northern Ireland football team on their victory over England.
"They have done the country proud and have shown that they can beat the the best no matter about the money.
"We are all delighted at how they have shown the best of what our province has to offer."
Ulster Unionist Party leader Sir Reg Empey said the team should be honoured with a reception at Stormont.
Sir Reg said: "This is a spectacular and well deserved win for Northern Ireland.
"The team played their hearts out and did the province proud.
"This result is a tremendous boost for the people of Northern Ireland and puts us well and truly back on the international sporting map."
The UUP leader added: "We will offer to sponsor a Stormont visit for the team and would ask other parties to get behind us to celebrate this amazing result."
Alliance sports spokesman Cllr Michael Long hailed the enormity of the team`s success.
Mr Long said: "I would just like to congratulate Lawrie Sanchez and the Northern Ireland team for their magnificent victory against England.
"Along with thousands of people at the game and watching on TV, I was absolutely delighted when David Healy scored our goal, putting Northern Ireland firmly back on the footballing map."
The councillor also praised the fans for their relentless support, even during the recent 4-0 defeat by England.
He added: "Earlier this year at Old Trafford, they demonstrated their enthusiasm by outsinging 50,000 England fans, and again the fans showed the positive side of local football and, after difficulties in the past, the atmosphere they created was fantastic."
After the match, as delirious fans sang along to hits such as We Are The Champions and Sweet Caroline, Sanchez praised his team for believing it was capable of causing a major upset.
He said: "We had a game plan set out for the players and they have now achieved immortality in Northern Ireland folklore.
"You will be talking about this group of players for years to come.
"It shows the power of belief and what can be achieved if you do believe. You live for these moments and savour them."
Sanchez also singled out Healy who became an instant legend with his powerful strike.
He added: "When push comes to shove you are looking for someone to finish and one man in our team had that quality.
"If David was to play in the Premiership he would be a regular goalscorer in my view.
"David`s record for us is phenomenal.
"He is a finisher and when you consider we went 1,298 minutes without getting a goal his goals have come thick and fast."
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan hailed the historic victory. The Foyle MP said: "It was a great result and an excellent goal.
"The outcome was well deserved by the manager and well enjoyed by the fans."
A leading community activist said the result was a just reward for the Irish Football Association`s campaign to remove bigotry from the local game.
Trevor Ringland, chairman of the One Small Step Campaign said: "The IFA is to be congratulated on the success of the Northern Ireland team in defeating one of the giants of international football.
"The IFA has engaged in a long-standing campaign to remove sectarianism from the game and has worked extremely hard to try to ensure that Windsor Park is a friendly and welcoming place to watch Northern Ireland matches.
"I am delighted that the IFA and Northern Ireland football have been rewarded with such a positive result."
Did the Irish play the Hungarians? Were there lepricons and vilas?
They played France. And lost.
1,298 minutes without scoring a goal? Jeez.
}:-)4
I know those of us of Polish heritage are celebrating since it virtually clinches Poland's advance to Germany.
There's something for you, Poland invading Germany :)
LOL, yep we've already got East Prussia and Silesia, tomorrow Bavaria!!!!
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