In 1998, under manager Mišo Jozić, Croatia made a stunning debut on the world stage at the FIFA World Cup in France. Newly independent, the squad combined technical skill with attacking flair, led by Davor Šuker, Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinečki, and Slaven Bilić. Placed in a challenging group, they impressed with wins over Jamaica and Japan and a draw with Argentina. Croatia advanced through the knockout stages, defeating Romania and Germany, before falling 2–1 to France in the semi-final. In the third-place playoff, they beat the Netherlands 2–1, with Šuker winning the Golden Boot, cementing a historic debut World Cup campaign.

In 2004, under manager Otto Rehhagel, Greece achieved one of the most remarkable feats in football history by winning UEFA Euro 2004. Entering the tournament as rank outsiders, Greece relied on an extremely organised and disciplined defensive system, coupled with efficient counter-attacks. Key players included Angelos Basinas, Theodoros Zagorakis, Traianos Dellas, and Giorgos Karagounis. Greece stunned the host nation Portugal 1–0 in the opening match and progressed through the knockout stages, beating France and the Czech Republic. In the final, a solitary Angelos Charisteas goal secured a 1–0 victory over Portugal, completing one of football’s greatest upsets.

In 1986, Denmark, managed by Sepp Piontek, competed at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, following their breakthrough Euro 1984 performance. Known as “Danish Dynamite”, the team featured stars like Michael Laudrup, Preben Elkjær, and Morten Olsen, blending flair, creativity, and attacking firepower. Denmark were drawn in a tough group with West Germany, Uruguay, and Scotland. They drew 1–1 with Scotland, lost 6–1 to West Germany, and narrowly defeated Uruguay 1–0, finishing third in the group and missing the knockout stage. Despite the early exit, their entertaining, attacking style won widespread admiration and cemented their reputation in world football.

1997 – Under Mick McCarthy, Ireland fought hard in 1998 World Cup qualifying. The team, featuring Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, Steve Staunton, and Niall Quinn, finished level on points with Romania but second in their group, earning a playoff. In November, they faced Belgium: a 1–1 draw in Dublin was followed by a 2–1 defeat in Brussels, ending qualification hopes.

1998 – With no World Cup to contest, Ireland focused on friendlies and rebuilding. Emerging talents like Damien Duff and Robbie Keane began to feature, while McCarthy set his sights on Euro 2000. The disappointment of missing France ’98 lingered, but the squad’s future looked promising.

1988 – Under Jack Charlton, Ireland reached their first-ever major tournament, Euro 1988 in West Germany. They stunned England 1–0 in their opening game thanks to Ray Houghton’s header, then drew 1–1 with the USSR. A narrow 1–0 defeat to the Netherlands ended their run, but the campaign was a breakthrough moment that lifted the nation.

1989/90 – Ireland qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, their first. Key players included Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner, John Aldridge, and Kevin Moran. The side was built on discipline, resilience, and Charlton’s famous high-pressing, direct style, setting the stage for World Cup heroics.

1992/93 – After narrowly missing Euro ’92, Ireland, under Jack Charlton, began 1994 World Cup qualifying strongly. With stars like Paul McGrath, Roy Keane, and John Aldridge, they secured big results, including a famous 2–0 win over Spain in Dublin. A late wobble left qualification in doubt, but a gritty 1–1 draw away to Northern Ireland in November 1993 sealed their ticket to the USA.

1994 – At the World Cup, Ireland beat Italy 1–0 in their opening game (Ray Houghton scoring). They later lost 2–1 to Mexico and drew 0–0 with Norway, before falling 2–0 to the Netherlands in the last 16.

1992/93 – After narrowly missing Euro ’92, Ireland, under Jack Charlton, began 1994 World Cup qualifying strongly. With stars like Paul McGrath, Roy Keane, and John Aldridge, they secured big results, including a famous 2–0 win over Spain in Dublin. A late wobble left qualification in doubt, but a gritty 1–1 draw away to Northern Ireland in November 1993 sealed their ticket to the USA.

1994 – At the World Cup, Ireland beat Italy 1–0 in their opening game (Ray Houghton scoring). They later lost 2–1 to Mexico and drew 0–0 with Norway, before falling 2–0 to the Netherlands in the last 16.

1990 – Under Jack Charlton, Ireland made history by reaching their first World Cup finals in Italy. They drew all three group games (England, Egypt, Netherlands), then famously beat Romania on penalties in the last 16. Their journey ended in the quarter-finals with a narrow 1–0 defeat to hosts Italy, but the team returned home as heroes.

1991/92 – Ireland built on that momentum in Euro 1992 qualifying. With leaders like Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner, and John Aldridge, they pushed Germany and England hard but narrowly missed out, finishing second in their group. The campaign showed Ireland were now a serious footballing force.

1990 – Under Jack Charlton, Ireland made history by reaching their first World Cup finals in Italy. They drew all three group games (England, Egypt, Netherlands), then famously beat Romania on penalties in the last 16. Their journey ended in the quarter-finals with a narrow 1–0 defeat to hosts Italy, but the team returned home as heroes.

1991/92 – Ireland built on that momentum in Euro 1992 qualifying. With leaders like Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner, and John Aldridge, they pushed Germany and England hard but narrowly missed out, finishing second in their group. The campaign showed Ireland were now a serious footballing force.

In 2002, the Republic of Ireland, managed by Mick McCarthy, reached the World Cup in Japan and South Korea after an impressive qualifying campaign. The build-up was overshadowed by the infamous Roy Keane fallout in Saipan, which saw the captain sent home after a row with McCarthy. Despite the drama, Ireland performed admirably. They drew 1–1 with Cameroon and Germany before beating Saudi Arabia 3–0 to reach the knockout stage. In the last 16, Robbie Keane’s late penalty forced extra time against Spain, but Ireland were eliminated on penalties. The campaign remains bittersweet—pride in performances but regret over Keane’s absence.