Ireland 1981 player shirt by O'Neills believed to have been match worn by Stapleton in the 1982 World Cup Qualification Group 2 match against Holland played at de Kuip, Rotterdam on the 9th September '81.
Ireland and Holland were in a 'group of death' that also included France and a strong Belgium team and there was nothing to choose between the four teams with Cyprus the whipping boys.
The side secured a superb 2-2 draw on the night here in Rotterdam against the 1978 runners-up with Stapleton scoring a 71st minute equaliser. Ipswich duo Frans Thijssen and Arnold Muhren had twice put the Dutch ahead with Robinson finding the other goal for the visitors. Eoin Hand's men went on to achieve a famous 3-2 victory against France in Dublin in their final group game and were so unlucky to miss out on a place at Spain '82 on goal difference. Stapleton enjoyed a 14 year career up front for Ireland making 71 appearances scoring 20 goals while at club level he starred most notably for Arsenal and Man United.
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Correct size player size print professionally machine stitched, embroidered crest is also machine stitched and transfer material O'Neills logo, made in Ireland, swapped with a Holland player and comes from their personal collection - a signed letter verifying this will be provided.
