Northern Ireland 0 - 0 Czech Republic

September 17, 2008

Northern Ireland earned a creditable home draw to group favourites Czech Republic at a windy and wet Windsor Park last Wednesday. After a shaky start again against Slovakia, another loss would have been unthinkable, however we put our first point on the board with a solid performance in which we perhaps deserved something more.

Clear chances were few and far between, however Northern Ireland controlled the majority of the game against a quality Czech side. The Czech Republic sent a couple of headers wide, while Northern Ireland pressed up the field and got several good crosses in, however couldn’t find anyone on the end of them as 6′ 4″ striker Kyle Lafferty was absent with a back injury. Warren Feeney started alongside David Healy, neither posing an aerial threat, due to lack of height compared to big Czech centre backs. Rangers midfielder Steven Davis also missed out, having to fly to London earlier in the day due to personal reasons.

Despite the absentees, the atmosphere was optimistic, as most supporters would have expected a win following the results against Spain, Sweden and Denmark at Windsor in the last qualifying campaign. In truth Northern Ireland had the better chances of the game, the best perhaps Warren Feeney firing straight at the diving Petr Cech from close range, followed up by a drive sent over the crossbar from outside the box by Chris Brunt. This was the closest either side came, David Healy not being given the chance to show what he can do until the final few minutes of the game, where a rushed shot was sent high and wide to his frustration.

Northern Ireland can be happy with a point however, despite only gaining one out of a possible six in September, when the initial target was at least four. Slovakia aside, this will boost confidence as we held the Czechs out for 90 minutes fairly comfortably. Poland top the group, having four points from 2, Northern Ireland lie fifth with 1 point from 2, just behind Czech Republic who have only played the one game so far.

Next up for Northern Ireland is Slovenia away on 11th October, closely followed by San Marino at home on 15th October. Confidence will be high after last weeks performance, and also fringe players had their chance to show their worth also, for example Martin Paterson and Dean Shiels getting some game time as substitutes. Michael O’Connor impressed in a full second half, coming on for the injured Sammy Clingan. Hopefully with the return of Steven Davis and Kyle Lafferty in October, Northern Ireland can get the campaign back on track within a few weeks with potentially six points on offer, again probably 4 points being the target.

Manager Nigel Worthington has many options at his disposal, as the substitutes showed they are deserving of a spot in the team in case of injury. A fully fit squad will give fans and players alike hope of a good October, getting us back into the mix for qualifying. Favours from other teams taking points off each other will do us no harm, and this group looks to be an exciting one with Slovenia and Slovakia already showing they are not to be underestimated.

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