The forthcoming fixture against Russia reminds of the Don Givens' hat trick against them in 1974 which also saw the debut of one Liam Brady. God I am old as I remember the game well. Strangely enough I also remember our defeat in Macedonia in the orange jerseys but I can't remember what happened in the return fixture. I think I also remember us losing 1-2 at home against the USSR in another competition but I can't remember when. And of course the 1-1 in Hannover in 1988. "Ohhh, Ronnie Whelan". Many Irish fans in the ground missed that goal as they were watching a wave going round. I didn't though.
Can't say I remember any games against Armenia. The games against Slovakia under Staunton - were they draws? Andorra doesn't ring any bells either.