On an extraordinary night in September 2005, David Healy scored a goal that secured his place in Northern Ireland football folklore and had fans dancing in the streets long after the final whistle sounded.
It was in stark contrast to the autumn of 2003, when a managerless Northern Ireland languished at number 124 in the FIFA World rankings and had racked up a number of unwanted records including failing to score in 13 consecutive games.
‘True North: Healy 1 England 0: A Football Miracle’ charts the ‘boys in green’s’ journey from hitting rock bottom in 2003 to humbling a star-studded England team in a World Cup qualifier match at Windsor Park 20 years ago.
On that momentous night England fielded a team valued at almost £200 million more than their opponents – including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Stephen Gerrard and Jamie Carragher – who contributes to this film with some expert analysis on the game.
Goal scorer David Healy and teammate Stephen Craigan – who also played that night – reminisce on the match highlights, the electric atmosphere in the stadium and that goal.
The film, narrated by presenter Colin Murray, also features contributions from manager Lawrie Sanchez, Jim Boyce, IFA president at the time, former Minister for Sport Baroness Kate Hoey, sports editor Steve Beacom and super fans Heidi and Ray.
‘True North: Healy 1 England 0: A Football Miracle,’ made by NPE Media for BBC Northern Ireland, airs Monday September 1 at 10.40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.