Green Is The Colour - Episode 4

Four-part documentary in which Darragh Maloney explores the history of Irish football and the national football team.

Episode 4: 1996 to 2012

A period defined by scandals that highlight the constant need to modernise and change with the times. After a series of near misses as Ireland fail to win playoffs against Belgium and Turkey, Ireland finally qualify for the World Cup in Japan and Korea. The Saipan scandal that ensues, divides a nation and brings about the Genesis Report which forces the FAI to change for the 21st century. The disappointment of the Kerr years only gets worse with the calamity of the Staunton years and after the momentous moments of 'the garrison game' being played in Croke Park, Giovanni Trapattoni is brought in to revive the fortunes of the side and give the country a lift after the injustice of Thierry Henry's handball in 2009, allowing us to look forward to a glorious summer in Poland.