7. Italy 1990

Why it’s on the list: ‘Why isn’t this higher?’ you ask. It was indisputably Ireland’s greatest moment on the international stage. The cynicism that permeated the tournament and the fact that the final was a damp squib brings it down a few places.

6. Mexico 1986

Why it’s on the list: Diego Maradona almost single-handedly winning the World Cup was a sight to behold, as was the epic France-Brazil quarter-final.

5. Sweden 1958

Why it’s on the list: A 17-year-old Pele dazzling the world as part of a brilliant Brazilian team abides in the memory, while Northern Ireland reaching the quarter-finals was quite novel. It was also the tournament in which Just Fontaine broke the World Cup scoring record with 13 goals — an achievement that hasn’t been bettered since.

4. Korea and Japan 2002

Why it’s on the list: Ireland putting in a memorable showing despite the Roy Keane debacle, co-hosts Korea going on a memorable run all the way to the semi-finals and Ronaldo gaining redemption after the 1998 disappointment.

3. England 1966

Why it’s on the list: The ‘they think it’s all over’ moment, THAT Korea-Italy game and Eusebio announcing himself on the world stage.

2. USA 1994

Why it’s on the list: Ireland briefly thinking they could win the World Cup after beating Italy, the Roberto Baggio drama and the classic Holland-Brazil game, replete with Bebeto’s baby-rocking celebration.

1. Mexico 1970

Why it’s on the list: One of the greatest teams of all time — Brazil — fulfilled their potential in spectacular fashion, Gordon Banks made one of the best saves ever and Pele almost scored from the halfway line.

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