In preparing for their Euro 72 qualification matches, Northern Ireland endured three successive defeats against their British counterparts. They kick started their qualification campaign suffering a 3-0 defeat in Seville against the mighty Spain in 1971. They met Cyprus in Nicosia in February 1972, enjoying a fine expected 3-0 victory against the Cypriots. They followed that match cruising to an easy 5-0 win at home against Cyprus with qualification looking a possibility now. It was a Northern Ireland side that featured Sammy McIlroy and the skilful talents of George Best. They met the Soviet Union in Belfast, finishing the match off in a 1-1 draw against the Soviets. The return match in Moscow ended up in a dire 1-0 defeat against the Soviets. In February 1972 they met Spain in an encounter staged at Hull, knowing victory was essential for progressing into the competition, they could only manage a 1-1 draw against the Spaniards.
Northern Ireland kick started their world cup 1974 qualification campaign with an awful 3-0 defeat against Bulgaria in a match played at Sofia. They followed that match up by a humiliating 1-0 defeat away in Cyprus before playing 1-1 draw at Coventry against a strong Portugal side to end any hopes of qualifying. The second half of their qualification matches witnessed a huge improvement, including a fine 3-0 home win against Cyprus, winning the match 3-0, following that tie up with a 1-1 draw at Lisbon against Portugal in November 1973. The 1974 European Championship qualification campaign witnessed a fine start for the Irish despite suffering an opening match defeat at Oslo against Norway. They followed that up by two successive victories over Sweden and Yugoslavia. They met Sweden in Belfast knowing victory would be very beneficial for the cause; instead they suffered a 2-1 defeat which in turn crushed the hopes. They endured a life line as they enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory in Belfast against Norway keeping alive an elusive position in Euro 76. Their final match was a tough one, played at Belgrade against Yugoslavia, a match finishing in a 1-0 defeat. Northern Ireland had a side that included Pat Jennings, Chris Nicholl, Sammy Nelson and Gerry Armstrong.