Ash

Ash lead singer Tim Wheeler gives skysports.com his favourite memories from World Cup history.

Ash remember some iconic memories from World Cup history

Having recently released their new album, A-Z Vol.1, on Atomic Heart Records, Ash are currently touring the United Kingdom. A - Z Vol. 1 marks the halfway point in Ash's groundbreaking 26-single campaign, the A-Z Series. Wrapping up singles A to M alongside a host of bonus material, the compilation illustrates Ash's rejuvenated creative zeal, while a limited edition CD/DVD format, featuring A-Z Tour diary filmed last autumn, is also available. Ash are now following their A-Z road trip with a tour of more traditional venues.

World Cup memories

USA 1994

We were recording our debut album ('Trailer'). It was our first time in a proper studio and the tournament was really distracting. We had six days to record the album and we covered the studio in Irish flags. It was when Jack Charlton's Republic of Ireland qualified and it was brilliant to watch them. I support any Irish team that qualifies!

Republic of Ireland 1 Italy 0 1994

Republic of Ireland won the match thanks to Ray Houghton's amazing goal. Although, to be honest, it was a bit lucky the way he lobbed it up and over Gianluca Pagliuca. I watched that in the airport somewhere as I was going away to France on holiday, so that was a great way to celebrate.

Mexico 1986

The Northern Ireland team put in some real performances. They did not get past the first round, but it was still incredibly exciting and the country was hooked to the whole tournament. I was about nine years old and was at home watching Diego Maradona shine for Argentina, I was probably pretending to be him in the garden.

Republic of Ireland beat Holland in 2002 qualification

We were supporting U2 at Slane Castle when Republic of Ireland beat Holland in the qualifiers and Jason McAteer scored the winner. They were showing it on the big screens and before we went on Bono said the match was the best support band U2 have ever had. We dedicated our song 'Shining Light' to McAteer.

Japan and South Korea 2002

When the World Cup was actually happening we were in America. We were staying in these weird motels and would be switching on the TV at four in the morning to try and get to watch the matches. But there would be the opposite and we would end up watching fishing programmes! Republic of Ireland lost on penalties to Spain in the quarter-finals and we got really upset.

Robbie Keane stuns Germany in 2002

Republic of Ireland deserved something out of this game in the group stages, and they got it. They had played really well, but Miroslav Klose had scored in the first half and it looked like Germany were going to grind out a result. But Robbie Keane grabbed an equaliser in injury time and everyone went mental. There were some really wild celebrations from everyone after that goal.

David Beckham red card in 1998

I thought that was pretty funny, that was a bit hilarious. The way he became Public Enemy No.1 was unbelievable. It was a bit petulant, but Beckham recovered after that. His experience will probably be missed this summer.

France conquer the world in 1998

I support Arsenal so I follow France, they are my third team. We had so many French players at the time, like Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira, so it was great to see them win the competition on their home soil. It was a bit of a shame about Thierry Henry's handball against Republic of Ireland in the play-offs this season. That has lost my support a bit.

Quick-fire round

World Cup winners?
Spain Top scorer?
Lionel Messi. He'll be psyching himself up for this one. Dark horses?
Ivory Coast How far can England go?
They have their best chance for a long time so could go all the way. Gazza or Rooney?
Rooney is ridiculously good at the minute. Pele or Maradona?
Maradona Three Lions or World in Motion?
I love New Order, but it's not their best. John Barnes rapping saves it somewhat. Will Becks be missed?
He will because of his experience. Pub or the couch?
I get really tense watching football so I like to roll out on the couch. For Ash tour dates, tickets and all the latest news on the band, visit www.ash-official.com