'A wounded animal who were lashing out': Northern Ireland's famous scalp against Spain remembered 20 years on
Sunday marked 20 years since Northern Ireland earned a shock win against Spain as David Healy’s hat-trick stunned their visitors at Windsor Park.
Star-studded names like Carlos Puyol, Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Fernando Torres – to name a few – left Belfast flabbergasted as Northern Ireland produced an eye-catching upset.
The Spaniards twice led throughout proceedings but were pegged back on each occasion by poacher Healy, who then sparked scenes of jubilation as his lob sailed over the head of Iker Casillas to complete his treble and give Northern Ireland the 3-2 success.
One of those in attendance at Windsor Park was Gary McAllister, who is the chairman of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs (AONISC).
Claiming he remembers the famous night as “if it was yesterday”, Gary shared his experiences even before a ball was kicked back in 2006: “Before the game I remember we were presented with the Brussels International Supporters Award, which was later renamed the European Supporters Award.
“It was introduced following the Heysel disaster and we were awarded for our good behaviour and we pipped the Germans, who hosted the World Cup that year, to win it.
"I was pitchside for the ceremony and I remember having to leave the pitch going up the tunnel and I was matter of metres away from Puyol, but to be honest, I was more interested in looking out for the Northern Ireland players.
"The noise levels when the two teams entered the pitch was so loud, which is something I’ll always remember.”
Northern Ireland had lost 3-0 to Iceland just a matter of days before and were therefore expected to be comfortably beaten by Spain in the Euro 2028 qualifier.
However, the Green and White Army had different ideas as then manager Lawrie Sanchez guided the country to another famous scalp.
"Northern Ireland had a lot of determination on the night and beating England a year prior stood them in good stead of producing another shock,” Gary added.
"We did well to level twice and then David’s winner was just the icing on the cake as it was such an iconic goal.
"Because we lost to Iceland a few days prior...we expected to come in with a backs against the wall mood and we prayed that we wouldn’t suffer a heavy defeat.
"It was like the Northern Ireland team were a wounded animal who were lashing out on the night as there was a bit of outside noise within the media leading into the game.
"That led to a great unity between the fans and the players, which is usually the case anyway, but there was certainly a fantastic backing from the stands.
"Another vivid memory was that the game provided Jonny Evans with his debut and he didn’t give Fernando Torres a kick. You would have honestly thought that was his 50th international appearance on the night, never mind his first, as his performance was so accomplished.
"It probably sparked a belief within the group that they could get other results within the group.”
It is fair to say Spain didn’t do too badly in the aftermath of the loss as they went on to win Euro 2008, as well as the 2010 World Cup.
Gary continued: “They actually lost their next game away to Sweden and there was plenty of pressure on Luis Aragonés’ position as manager.
"However, they managed to rally and qualify for the tournament, and then went a ridiculous amount of games unbeaten, culminating in winning the Euros and World Cup.
"It just shows you how impressive the win was for Northern Ireland when you factor all that in."
Meanwhile, another anniversary was celebrated last Friday (September 4) as the AONISC revisited memories from Euro 2016.
Held at the Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey, special guests included Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, as well as former players Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and Gareth McAuley, with proceeds from an auction going towards the Cancer Fund for Children charity.
Gary, who was compere for the evening, reflected on a successful evening as around 350 attended to hear stories from the tournament.
He concluded: “I always wonder where the time goes.
"Michael, Steven, Stuart and Gareth were brilliant and gave up of their time freely to participate.
"Feedback from those attended has been positive so far and it was great to reflect on a memorable chapter in the country’s history in a way that allowed us to also have a bit of banter and humour.
"It was really worth doing and due to the success of it, it’s definitely something we will try to do again in the future.”