Northern Ireland v Bosnia

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

On behalf of the Irish Football Association it gives me great pleasure to welcome the officials, players and supporters of Bosnia and Herzegovina to our National Football Stadium in Belfast for this afternoon’s League B Group 3 game in UEFA’s inaugural Nations League competition.

The FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 is in the past and the autumn games have come around very quickly. Prior to the World Cup, and with future competitive games in mind, there was the opportunity for Northern Ireland to undertake a short tour of Central America, where temperatures in excess of 30c proved a challenge. However, the squad coped as well as could be expected in the heat, drawing with Panama and losing to Costa Rica. This new UEFA competition effectively replaces friendly matches, and unless a Nations League group is made up of three teams all matches are on a competitive basis. Northern Ireland are in a group of three of course – Austria are the other team – so it means there will also be two mandatory friendly games this autumn. Next Tuesday (11 September) we host Israel in the first of those games and in November we travel to play the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. The draw for the Euro 2020 group qualifying stage takes place in Dublin on 2 December with the top two in each group qualifying and the final four places going to the Nations League, replacing the best four third-placed countries as in Euro 2016. That makes every game very important in the quest for 2020 qualification by whichever route possible.

This will be the first meeting between Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in an A international and undoubtedly both managers will be looking to get off to a good start in a series of just four games. Today also provides an opportunity for the Irish FA to mark the 100-cap milestone which Steven Davis reached last November and a special cap has been commissioned for presentation to him this afternoon. Steven is our third centurion following the legendary Pat Jennings (1964-1986) and Aaron Hughes, who won his 100th cap just prior to Euro 2016. The stadiumwill almost be at full capacity for this game - that includes the 98% of Campaign Card holders who renewed their cards - and again it is expected this will help generate a great atmosphere and also encouragement to the players. Thanks to all who have renewed their campaign cards and also to those who have purchased tickets through the general sale, perhaps for the first time. I hope that you all enjoy an exciting game and have a safe journey home. David J Martin President Irish Football Association

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