The Green and White Army – managed by Lawrie Sanchez – had twice fallen behind but restored parity through talisman Healy, before the current Linfield boss sent Windsor Park into jubilation by bagging the winner with ten minutes to go.
The Spain squad featured the likes of Xavi, David Villa, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres...but they didn’t do too badly after that loss as they won Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 World Cup.
Northern Ireland famously beat Spain at the 1982 World Cup through Gerry Armstrong’s finish and the two countries are set to meet for the first time since 2007 in friendly action on Saturday night.
Whilst the contest won’t have as much significance as the two famous scalps, it will give Michael O’Neill another chance to work with his players before the Nations League campaign.
Here are 12 photos from that 3-2 win against Spain in 2006.
Northern Ireland famously beat Spain at the 1982 World Cup through Gerry Armstrong’s finish and the two countries are set to meet for the first time since 2007 in friendly action on Saturday night.
![Kyle Lafferty and Keith Gillespie are on hand to celebrate with David Healy after his equaliser against Spain at Windsor Park](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmUzNTcxOGIyLTFkNjgtNGM3NC04YjZmLWQ5NThjODRhY2FhZDo2YWRjMDIzNC1hMDNiLTRjOTYtOTQ5Ny0yYjQ1ZWIyZTM1OGE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. Helping hand
Kyle Lafferty and Keith Gillespie are on hand to celebrate with David Healy after his equaliser against Spain at Windsor ParkPhoto: WILLIAM CHERRY/PRESSEYE
![Warren Feeney holds off a challenge from a youthful looking Cesc Fabregas](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjUyYzhiMGY5LWMxZTYtNDMyNy1hYzNhLTVhM2E4ZTQ1MDk4Yjo5ZjJlZDRhNi01M2RkLTRlOGItYmQzYi1hYjIyODdhZGJlODA=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Grit and determination
Warren Feeney holds off a challenge from a youthful looking Cesc FabregasPhoto: WILLIAM CHERRY/PRESSEYE
![The scenes after the full-time whistle as Northern Ireland's 3-2 win against Spain was confirmed](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQ5OWZlZGExLTY2MDUtNDFmMC04YjEzLTU2OGUzNjMwODBhNTo5ZjQ1M2JhNS1jOWRmLTRiZDMtYTcyNS1mNDI0OTgyYzFjMjY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Jubilant scenes
The scenes after the full-time whistle as Northern Ireland's 3-2 win against Spain was confirmedPhoto: WILLIAM CHERRY/PRESSEYE
![Kyle Lafferty celebrates the big victory over Spain by wearing a sombrero](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmJhOWM5NmQzLWVkOTktNDBiYy04ZDVhLWU5NmFlMjlhZGNiYjphMWU2ZGY5NC1mNGE4LTRiMWEtOWRkMC0yMDU5MmJiYmJlOWY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
8. New item of clothing
Kyle Lafferty celebrates the big victory over Spain by wearing a sombreroPhoto: WILLIAM CHERRY/PRESSEYE