World Cup Best XI - Your Lifetime

[Evil Genius]

That's irrelevant because it's not in our lifetime EG, although it might be in yours. Now stop picking Northern Ireland players, and pick a couple of players from the Republic like a good lad. Come, join us.

I picked three NI players who were all unquestionably world class and who performed as such in World Cup Finals  (two of them being voted in the top XI of their tournament).

As for the ROI, whilst they have had a number of world class players (Carey, Giles, Brady etc) in their history, and many more fine players who have performed admirably at World Cup Finals, the only player I can think of who meets both criteria is the wonderful Paul McGrath. He'd certainly be a worthy candidate.

[Evil Genius]

Yes, but that's all irrelevant because this thread is about World Cup performance....

Then he should be a candidate for inclusion on the strength of his outstanding clean sheet in a 10-man team against Spain in the Luis Casanova Stadium in Valencia on 25 June 1982 alone, never mind that it followed a clean sheet against Yugoslavia and a single (unlucky) goal conceded to Honduras.

Of course, if that doesn't satisfy you, then might I suggest Harry Gregg, who was voted Goalkeeper in the Team of the Tournament* in 1958, when NI got to the Quarter finals? For those who may only know of Gregg for being the hero of Munich 18 months previously, he was also a Man United stalwart for whom Matt Busby had paid a world record transfer fee for a goalie, suggesting that he was rather good at his job.


* - Danny Blanchflower also made that team, btw, they being the only two Irishmen to be so honoured, before or since.

Were you around to remember that? Again, take a look at the thread title...

If the Roman Catholic church's doctrine on the moment when "life" begins is any guide, then I was, indeed, "around" in the Summer of 1958 

[AZOffaly]

Just for the avoidance of any doubt (I can never tell with you) I was being facetious.

[Evil Genius]

Just for the avoidance of any doubt (I can never tell with you) I was being facetious.

And I wasn't.

Couldn't you tell? 

[Capt Pat]

Some random ones. Never get tired of watching Negretes tho..

Negrete Mexico 86. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy4IatYSTQU
Eder Brazil 82 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RB9ZeBvNXs
Dumitrescu Romania 94  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DBKsz4Vpwo
Nelinho Brazil 78 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8UkwirffjQ
Borgetti Mexico 02 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lKne7ArLDs&NR=1
Belanov USSR 86 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLU_fiRfmes

Keegans comment on the Belanov goal, you won't see a better goal in the tournament than that. An ordinary enough goal.

[muppet]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA3cCOkfY6A&feature=related

Great goal, watch all of the video and then read the 1st comment.

[ross4life]

Was his final ever World cup goal & great celebration 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHg5eHkH5Gk