Malta's Ta'Qali National Stadium is assured of its place in Irish football folklore. The venue may not immediately spring to mind when compared to the events that transpired at Stuttgart, Genoa and New Jersey's Giants Stadium, but on a November afternoon in 1989 two John Aldridge goals secured World Cup qualification for the first time.The Irish starting 11 of Bonner, McGrath, O'Leary, Moran, Staunton, Houghton, Whelan, Townsend, Sheedy, Aldridge and Cascarino clearly illustrates the strength available to Jack Charlton at the time.As we all know there's no future in history.
Thirty-three years on from that famous win, the class of 2022 play their final game of the calendar year at Malta's National stadium.
Suddenly its importance is very real.Under interim manager Gilbert Agius, Malta were denied a famous win over Greece on Thursday evening.A late equaliser from substitute Taxiarchis Fountas earned Greece, managed by Gus Poyet, a 2-2 draw.
It's worth noting that Greece are only ranked three places below the Republic of Ireland.Agius is a legendary figure in Maltese football having won 119 caps.