Northern Ireland v Austria

AUSTRIA: HOME OF MOZART, COFFEE AND FOOTBALL EXCITEMENT? I would like to admit I have always had a soft spot for our Austrian opponents. Not only because I enjoy the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or the coffee shops of Vienna.

Nor is it because of the beautiful buildings or the Lippanzanner stallions, or getting my teeth round a delicious chocolate Sacher torte, albeit they are good reasons to enjoy Vienna. My fondness is more football related. It was Austria whom Northern Ireland faced way back in September 1983 in my first international match after starting to work for the IFA. Goals from Billy Hamilton, Norman Whiteside and Martin O’Neill saw us come through with a 3-1 victory. What a baptism to international football from the inside! I had already cheered on the wee team in green against the Austrians in Madrid a year earlier in the summer of ‘82 when Billy Hamilton scored twice in a 2-2 draw at the World Cup finals. That arm twirling celebration will surely live on with all who were lucky enough to enjoy it! Since then we have had other memorable nights jousting with the Austrians: Keith Gillespie’s stunning goal in Vienna in a 2-1 win in 1994 and Michael O’Neill (I wonder what became of him?) scoring twice at a windswept and rain-lashed Windsor Park in a 5-3 goal fest in the return match in ‘95. The lasting memory of that night of strong winds and driving rain in 1995 is Jackie Fullerton and George Best (co-commentator) wrapped up in numerous coats, scarves, hats and gloves against the elements perched in the little wooden commentary box which sat precariously on top of the old South Stand.

The rain was so heavy that to see the action below they had to take out the pane of glass from the window frame, which meant more rain was pouring in on them. Finally, who could forget the dramatic last minute equaliser in 2004 (3-3 draw) when Stuart Elliott ‘bundled’, I think that is the best description, ball and goalkeeper over the line in the 95th minute? All eyes turned to the Australian referee (with Dutch assistants) who was on an exchange visit organised by FIFA, but the Aussie whistler pointed to the centre spot: GOAL. I have always thought that Australians make the best referees! Those were all exciting matches which evoke powerful memories. Matches are currently not quite the same as they were. The lack of fans, of course, has an effect on the atmosphere. Players screaming to each other in an empty stadium lacks the appeal of the full stadium. And it’s not much fun doing the bouncy on your own. Maybe tonight’s fare on the field will provide more memories that we can all recall in years to come whenever the Austrians return to Belfast. Do you remember the 2020 match? Let’s hope so! Words William Campbell

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