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Give your views on N Ireland's display

Northern Ireland
by Alvin McCaig (U6615804) 10 September 2008
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Northern Ireland claimed their first point in the World Cup qualifiers after a stalemate with the Czech Republic at a wet and windy Windsor Park.

The Czechs had the best two chances in the first half but Radoslav Kovac and Milan Baros sent their headers wide.

The hosts went close on 51 minutes when Petr Cech kept out Warren Feeney's shot and Chris Brunt fired the rebound over.

Keith Gillespie was denied by another Cech save while David Healy blazed wide in the final minute.

NI boss Nigel Worthington said the team's performance was "outstanding".

Do you agree? Who were the top performers for Northern Ireland and do you think they can qualify from the group?

Latest 10 comments

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posted Sep 11, 2008

A point is a decent result against one of the top eight sides in the world, if only we'd taken at least a point in Bratislava, i still can't believe the referee for not giving that penalty, i wonder what would have happened if Lafferty had played in the last two games.

Derek i thought Baird did his job in midfield very well, he isn't a creative player, obviously, but he protects the back four. Evans once again showed how good he is, the only worry about him is that the only games he'll get this season are for NI and in the Carling Cup and if he's lucky a Champions League group dead rubber of a group match.

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posted Sep 11, 2008

Good result but agree that they were there for the taking, couple of good efforts and some questionable refereeing decisions (again!). If only Lafferty and Davis were playing we could have added the Czechs to the scalped in Belfast list.

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posted Sep 11, 2008

I think a point, even at home, to the team ranked 8th in the world has to be reasonably satisfying. Concerned though at the apparent lack of passion. Against England, Spain, Sweden, Denmark etc the team produced a high tempo pressing game. Last night we appearred content to let their players carry the ball an awful long way without being challenged.
I appreciate Worthington wants to produce a more disciplined , structured side which maintains its shape throughout a game but as others have said, with a little more ambition, the Czechs could have been beaten last night.

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comment by weexist (U1984374)

posted Sep 11, 2008

I think too many fans get carried away and start thinking we should beat everyone at windsor. A point against a top team like the Czechs is a great result especially when we're missing Jonto, Davis and then sammy (2nd half) from our midfield and Lafferty too

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posted Sep 11, 2008

It's a great result considering our weakened squad.

If we beat Slovenia away from home next game, Czech Republic beat San Marino, and Slovakia draw with Poland, then Poland will be on 5pts, and all the other teams bar San Marino will be on 4pts! That's what you call an open group - we're definetely still in the running after that result.

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posted Sep 11, 2008

Well done NI. That is a very good result. A point taken from the top ranked side in the group.

Didnt see the game but any side that stops the Czechs from playing have done very well. Good result.

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posted Sep 11, 2008

did anyone notice about 5 mins. from time, as Cech walked back towards goal,he gave the Kop a wee smiley and a ok even tho' the Kop gave him dog's abuse the whole of the second half.
I think he showed the sportsman he is when he helped Gillespie off the park,when the ref was being a complete pea artist

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comment by Pisces (U10274403)

posted Sep 11, 2008


Nigel Worthington described the N.Ireland performance as "outstanding". This term should be reserved for teams that WIN not for teams that merely DON'T LOSE. If they can't beat the Czechs at home, what are the possibilities in the away game? Talking up his team might make him look good, but it doesn't put 3 points on the board!

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posted Sep 12, 2008

Pisces, let's not get ahead of ourselves here, the fact that Northern Ireland are able to compete with the Czech Republic is an achievement in itself. A point at home to them is a good result, the problem is that it doesn't look as good as it really is because we lost in Bratislava. If we had two points now we'd be in a strong position. Now we probably have to win in Slovenia, and i believe they are a better side than Slovakia.

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posted Sep 12, 2008

There is always Euro 2012 lads! Dont give up?
Are they would have a better chance if we joined up with the Irish team! Com on Ironerm!

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