Northern Ireland v Germany, Thurs 5th October

My memory tells me it was a stompingly proper can’t-lift-my-head-off-the-pillow affair otherwise I would have been taking my rightful place with my mates at the match because, quite clearly, a little sniffle is not enough to keep a Northern Ireland fan out of action. Of course in those far off halcyon days before 24- hour rolling news, social media and mobile phones I had to keep abreast of the match via the good old wireless, and I have a vague recollection of the drone of the commentator, but for once sleep was more important than the wee team in green. So there we have it. I now feel cleansed and guilt free. I have yet to see Germany defeated by Northern Ireland. I have seen draws, heroic defeats, missed penalties and even an unscheduled Oliver Bierhoff 10-minute second half hat-trick. I have celebrated at the end of our match in Paris and celebrated even more wildly when other results confirmed we were through to the last 16 at Euro 2016, but never have I been able to celebrate a victory. So no pressure boys… but it’s about time I can forget the stigma of my influenza and enjoy the celebrations of a sweet victory! Words William Campbell

However, and this is the crux of the matter, there is one shocking and perhaps unexpected gap in my Northern Ireland Supporter CV. I have celebrated qualification to World Cups (x2), Euro Finals (x1), danced with delight with colleagues at our epic victories over England and Spain in 2005 and 2006. I’ve also bounced the ball with the referee on the driest part of the sodden pitch against Denmark, been admonished by the fourth official in the 3-2 victory over Spain (that’s another story), and shed tears of joy and pride on qualifications and participations in finals. But - and it’s a big but - I have never, ever, not even once, seen Northern Ireland defeat Germany! There, I have said it. I have not missed a home international since November 1982; more than 120 matches. I have seen good ones, bad ones, exciting ones and those which were rather more dull. Against big sides and small, world champions and those at the bottom of the world rankings, with big crowds and small. I’ve watched Northern Ireland play on every day of the week, and at all different kick-off times, in sun and rain (mostly rain), in heat and in cold. However, when Ian Stewart was drilling in the winner against reigning European champions West Germany on 17 November 1982 I was, sadly and to my eternal chagrin, unwell and in bed with the flu.

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