Northern Ireland v Switzerland 08SEPT

WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 QUALIFIER NORTHERN IRELAND V SWITZERLAND

NATIONAL FOOTBALL STADIUM AT WINDSOR PARK OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME | 08/09/2021 | £4

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02. 03. 04. 07. 16. 18. 22. 33. 38. 47.

TEAMS

PRESIDENT ’S WELCOME

IAN BARACLOUGH PATRICK NELSON

NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD

CORRY EVANS DID YOU KNOW? THE OPPONENTS JORDAN JONES

INTERNATIONAL RECORD

IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT: CONRAD KIRKWOOD CHIEF EXECUTIVE: PATRICK NELSON ADVERTISING: IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIAT ION PICTURES: PRESS EYE

OFFICIAL PUBL ICATION BY IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION NAT IONAL FOOTBALL STADIUM, DONEGALL AVE , BELFAST BT12 5LW

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS: DANNY LYNCH EDITOR: NIGEL T ILSON DESIGN: L ANDMARK PRINT: MINPRINT LTD. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VIEWS IN THIS PROGRAMME DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIAT ION.

IRISHFA.COM

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NORTHERN IRELAND GREEN & WHITE

SWITZERLAND WHI TE, GREEN & RED

MANAGER I. BARACLOUGH

MANAGER M. YAKIN

Y. SOMMER (BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH) (C) Y. MVOGO (PSV EINDHOVEN) G. KOBEL (BORUSSIA DORTMUND) R. RODRIGUEZ (TORINO) F. SCHAR (NEWCASTLE UNITED) M. AKANJI (BORUSSIA DORTMUND) N. ELVEDI (BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH) C. ZESIGER (YOUNG BOYS) U. GARCIA (YOUNG BOYS) S. ZUBER (EINTRACHT FRANKFURT) R. FREULER (ATALANTA) D. ZAKARIA (BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH) D. SOW (EINTRACHT FRANKFURT) R. STEFFEN (WOLFSBURG) M. AEBISCHER (YOUNG BOYS) F. FREI (BASEL) H. SEFEROVIC (BENFICA) R. VARGAS (AUGSBURG) C. FASSNACHT (YOUNG BOYS) A. ZEQIRI (BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION) D. NDOYE (NICE) S. WIDMER (MAINZ) J. LOTOMBA (NICE)

T. CARSON (MOTHERWELL) C. HAZARD (CELTIC) B. PEACOCK-FARRELL (SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY)*

D. BALLARD (MILLWALL)** C. BROWN (CARDIFF CITY) C. CATHCART (WATFORD ) S. FERGUSON (ROTHERHAM UNITED) J. LEWIS (NEWCASTLE UNITED) M. SMITH (HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN) T. FLANAGAN (SUNDERLAND) C. BRADLEY (LIVERPOOL) S. DAVIS (RANGERS) (C) J. JONES (WIGAN ATHLETIC) A. McCANN (PRESTON NORTH END) N. McGINN (ABERDEEN) P. McNAIR (MIDDLESBROUGH) G. SAVILLE (MILLWALL) J. THOMPSON (STOKE CITY) G. WHYTE (OXFORD UNITED)*** A. McCALMONT (MORECAMBE)**** L. DONNELLY (MOTHERWELL) D. CHARLES (ACCRINGTON STANLEY) S. LAVERY (BLACKPOOL) C. WASHINGTON (CHARLTON ATHLETIC) K. LAFFERTY (ANORTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA)

* ON LOAN FROM BURNLEY ** ON LOAN FROM ARSENAL

*** ON LOAN FROM CARDIFF CI T Y **** ON LOAN FROM LEEDS UNI TED

MATCH DAY OFFICIALS REFEREE: HARALD LECHNER (AUT) ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: ANDREAS HEIDENREICH (AUT) ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: MARKUS GUTSCHI (AUT) 4TH OFFICIAL: MARKUS HAMETER (AUT) VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE: SZYMON MARCINIAK (POL) ASSISTANT VAR: PAWEŁ SOKOLNICKI (POL) REFEREE ASSESSOR: MICHAEL AUST IN RILEY (ENG) MATCH COMMISSIONER: BERT ANDERSSON (SWE)

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all. In particular I welcome our visitors Switzerland - the Rossocrociati (Red Crosses) - and their players, management and officials to Northern Ireland for their first visit since 2017.

I cannot describe the honour that I feel to have been elected as President of the Irish Football Association and to attend a Northern Ireland home game for the first time in that role. Whether it has been officially opening Ballyvea FC’s new facilities in the Mournes or helping to highlight what our wee country has to offer as part of the UEFA Super Cup, I have loved every minute so far. Football just isn’t the same without fans. There is a mutual connection between players and fans – they feed off each other. Therefore I am delighted that we have an 85% capacity at our stadium for this World Cup qualifier to lend their support . It comes after a two-year period in which we have had little or no fans at our games. The team’s journey to Vilnius last week was rewarded with a healthy return of goals against Lithuania. It was the first time Northern Ireland have scored four away from home since 2007 against Liechtenstein. It was, of course, also our first victory in the European Group C qualifiers for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. It was particularly pleasing to see Shayne Lavery and Daniel Ballard score their first senior goals.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s penalty save was a turning point against the Lithuanians. However, Ian Baraclough’s calm head in the lead-up to the game, despite several absentees, showed that he had prepared for any eventuality. The win in Tallinn on Sunday against Estonia demonstrated his squad’s togetherness with changes to the line-up and formation. It was the rule of three for Shane Ferguson: earning his 50th cap, wearing the captain’s armband and scoring a memorable winner. It was a fitting reward for one of the squad’s most modest men. I am excited at the return of GAWA in numbers to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast . I am sure that you will get behind the team as only you can. I am even more sure that you will be in fine singing voice as you establish beyond any doubt where “Sweet Caroline” belongs! Given the absence of fans for such a long period, I hope it will be a great night for the team and the management but most of all that it will be a great experience for each and every one of you. CONRAD KIRKWOOD PRESIDENT IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIAT ION

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If we want to give ourselves a chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup then we must obtain a positive result against Switzerland tonight.

The 4-1 win over Lithuania last week has put our campaign in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 European Qualifying Group C back on track following the defeat to Italy and draw against Bulgaria back in the spring. However, I believe a positive result tonight against a very strong Swiss team is required to really put us in the hunt . I am confident we can maintain the momentum derived from the game in Vilnius and the 1-0 friendly win against Estonia in Tallinn on Sunday. Despite being without a number of senior players in this international window we have acquitted ourselves well . I am pleased with the depth in our squad. Prior to the Lithuania game I urged the younger players in particular to show their mettle – and they certainly did that . And each and every one of the players selected to face Switzerland will also be asked to perform at the top of their game. If they can do that then I believe we can get the desired result tonight . Both Italy and Switzerland have dropped points over the past week and that opens the door for us to force our way into the mix for a play-off spot at the very least . Ideally we have to win our home games to maintain pressure on the teams seeded one and two in Group C. The game against Lithuania once again showed that if we believe in ourselves and produce the intensity then we will get our rewards.

To get the result required a real team performance, with everyone pulling their weight . After weathering Lithuania’s initial pressure we managed the first half very well . The front two set the tone for a high energ y, positive display backed up ably by the running power and guile of our midfield three. Both wing backs gave us pace and deliveries to trouble their backline, and the concentration of our defenders and goalkeeper ensured we were solid at the back. In the second half, after an expected period of pressure from the home side, when we conceded the goal , things could have got tricky, however we managed the situation very well to get back on top and ultimately win the game. Both myself and the players are thrilled that the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park will be almost full for this game. We have badly missed the vocal support of the Green and White Army over the past year and I can’t wait to lead my team out into the stadium in front of 16,000 fervent supporters. I have not experienced that as Northern Ireland manager before and it will be a proud moment for me. I am confident we can give you, the fans, something to cheer about tonight . IAN BARACLOUGH NORTHERN IRELAND MANAGER

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GOOD EVENING Welcome to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park for tonight’s vital FIFA World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.

It is wonderful tonight to think that we have a 16,000 sell out crowd. It’s not quite our full capacity but it’s the largest crowd we have had for almost two years due to the necessary restrictions placed on us by the Covid-19 pandemic. Having been able to host 13,000 spectators for the UEFA Super Cup last month, it is a step up again and, of course, everyone in the stadium is a Northern Ireland fan, with UEFA restricting access to away fans for the time being. Switzerland as an opponent need absolutely no introduction. Many of us will remember the 180 minutes we played back to back in Belfast and Basel as recently as 2017 when only a hotly disputed penalty gave our Swiss friends a ticket to the FIFA World Cup in Russia. As a team regularly in the top 15 of the FIFA world rankings, Ian and his squad will certainly be respectful of our visitors, however we need a positive result if we are to maintain our hopes of featuring in next year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar. Our preparation for tonight’s match has been hampered by the unavailability of key players such as Jonny and Stuart but the squad will be on a high, having come back from a tricky trip to the Baltics with wins against Lithuania and Estonia in the last week. Hosting the UEFA Super Cup mentioned above was a tremendous honour for the Irish Football Association, and it was the perfect opportunity to showcase our stadium, Belfast and Northern Ireland to the world.

The game was televised live to more than 200 countries and the stadium had never looked better. UEFA’s and our own staff pulled out all the stops to ensure that the event ran without a hitch, and our visitors from Chelsea, Villarreal and UEFA itself all went away delighted with the experience. It was a vote of confidence in the redevelopment of our stadium and we hope we can now take forward similar projects around the country under the banner of the sub regional facilities strateg y which the Northern Ireland Executive has highlighted in its New Decade, New Approach document which presaged the Executive being reformed after a three-year hiatus. Northern Ireland has waited too long for better sporting facilities for our national game and now is the time for our politicians to act decisively. In the meantime, there are vital FIFA World Cup points at stake here in south Belfast this evening so let’s hope for a good game and an even better result .

PATRICK NELSON CHIEF EXECUT IVE IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIAT ION

IRISHFA.COM

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50 12 03 06 14

50 09 06 05 05

POSSESSION % SHOTS SHOTS ON TARGET CORNERS FOULS

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING - EUROPEAN GROUP C

02-09-2020 LFF STADIONAS, VILNIUS

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WORDS: NIGEL T ILSON

LITHUANIA

16. Setkus 23. Baravykas

NORTHERN IRELAND HIT FOUR TO DEFEAT LITHUANIA Northern Ireland powered to a fine win against Lithuania in Vilnius last Thursday night thanks to open play goals from Daniel Ballard and Shayne Lavery and penalties expertly converted by Conor Washington and Paddy McNair.

06. Satkus 20. Utkus

01. Gertmonas 02. Klimavicius 03. Gaspuitis 04. Dapkus 05. Uzela 07. Jankauskas 08. Tutyskinas 09. Kazlauskas 12. Plukas 13. Barauskas 21. Vorobjovas 15. Slavickas 19. Megelaitis 18. Verbickas 11. Novikovas 22. Chernykh 17. Lasickas 10. Dubickas SUBST I TUTES

NORTHERN IRELAND

01. Peacock-Farrell 17. McNair 20. Cathcart 04. Ballard 19. Smith 16. McCann 08. Davis 15. Thompson 03. Lewis 09. Washington 11. Lavery

SUBST I TUTES

05. F lanagan 06. Donnelly 07. McGinn 10. Lafferty 12. Carson 13. Charles 14. Jones 18. Whyte 21. McCalmont

22. Brown 23. Hazard

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The World Cup qualifier in the Lithuanian capital ended 4-1, however Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell produced a great penalty save to keep his team in front when the scoreline read 2-1. It was an important stop. In the end though Ian Baraclough’s boys fully deserved the victory against the lowest ranked side in Group C of the European qualifiers for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. In the early exchanges Lithuania forward Edgaras Dubickas shot over the top, while Lavery just failed to make a decent connection with a fine Jamal Lewis delivery into the box and the ball squirmed wide. Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis, who played superbly across the 90-plus minutes, lofted a lovely pass to Washington inside the area, however the ball was nicked off his toes and cleared for a corner. Baraclough’s charges took the lead from the subsequent corner. It was taken by Jordan Thompson down the left and eventually the ball was fed to Washington down the right by Davis. The striker fired the ball across the box to the back post where Ballard was on hand to steer the ball home from close range for his first senior international goal . Following the opener, which came in the 20th minute, Ali McCann produced a decent long range effort which was tipped around the post by Lithuania keeper and captain Ernestas Setkus. Northern Ireland, despite being without experienced players like Jonny and Corry Evans, Stuart Dallas and Josh Magennis, stroked the ball around confidently throughout the first half. They constantly tried to push forward but chances were few and far between. A quick breakaway as half-time approached saw Washington clip the ball through to fellow frontman Lavery, who raced towards goal . He lifted his shot over the bar, however. Northern Ireland doubled their lead five minutes after the break when Washington scored from the spot .

The penalty was awarded by French referee Stephanie Frappart when Lithuania midfielder Linas Megelaitis blocked a Michael Smith cross with his hand inside the area and Washington stepped up to smash the ball into the bottom corner. It was a great hit . Lithuania immediately went on the attack and defender Rolandas Baravykas had a powerful drive deflected wide for a corner. However, he made no mistake when the ball arrived at his feet again from the corner. He hammered the ball into the top corner from 16 yards to make it 2-1. Lithuania had a chance to draw level on 64 minutes from the penalty spot , however Peacock- Farrell produced a superb save to deny them. The spot kick was awarded when McNair collided with Justas Lasickas inside the area after Craig Cathcart was caught on the ball . Following a VAR check the penalty was given and McNair was booked. Arvydas Novikovas stepped up to take it but Peacock-Farrell was equal to his effort , pushing the ball away down to his left. That huge let-off sparked Northern Ireland into life and they extended their lead four minutes later when Lewis and Thompson combined down the left and the midfielder drilled in a cross which was smashed into the net via the underside of the crossbar by Lavery. And it was also his first senior international goal . Northern Ireland were awarded another penalty on 80 minutes and it was again scored with some panache, however this time it was McNair who provided the precision finish to put his team 4-1 up at the 5000-capacity LFF Stadionas. The ref immediately pointed to the spot after Washington slipped the ball to Davis inside the area and the skipper was bundled off the ball by Lithuanian defender Edgaras Uktus.

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POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

GOALKEEPER MOTHERWELL

GOALKEEPER CELT IC

GOALKEEPER SHEFF IELD WEDNESDAY

DEFENDER

MILLWALL

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

33

7

0

23

3

0

24

24

0

21

9

1

ON LOAN FROM BURNLEY

ON LOAN FROM ARSENAL

CIARON BROWN

CRAIG CATHCART

SHANE FERGUSON

JAMAL LEWIS

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

DEFENDER CARDIFF CI T Y

DEFENDER WAT FORD

DEFENDER ROTHERHAM UNI TED

DEFENDER NEWCAST LE UNI TED

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

23

5

0

32

62

2

30

50

2

23

22

0

MICHAEL SMITH

TOM FLANAGAN

CONOR BRADLEY

STEVEN DAVIS

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

DEFENDER HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN

DEFENDER SUNDERL AND

MIDF IELDER L IVERPOOL

MIDF IELDER RANGERS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

33

18

1

29

10

0

18

2

0

36

127

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JORDAN JONES

AL I McCANN

NIALL McGINN

PADDY McNAIR

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

MIDF IELDER WIGAN ATHLE T IC

MIDF IELDER ST JOHNSTONE

MIDF IELDER ABERDEEN

MIDF IELDER MIDDLESBROUGH

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

21

7

1

34

67

6

26

49

5

26

14

1

JORDAN THOMPSON

GAVIN WHY TE

ALFIE McCALMONT

GEORGE SAVILLE

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

MIDF IELDER STOKE CI T Y

MIDF IELDER OXFORD UNI TED

MIDF IELDER MORECAMBE

MIDF IELDER MILLWALL

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

24

17

0

25

20

3

21

4

0

28

31

0

ON LOAN FROM CARDIFF CI T Y

ON LOAN FROM LEEDS UNI TED

L IAM DONNELLY

DION CHARLES

SHAYNE LAVERY

CONOR WASHINGTON

KYLE LAFFERT Y

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

POS: CLUB:

MIDF IELDER MOTHERWELL

FORWARD ACCRINGTON

FORWARD BL ACKPOOL

FORWARD CHARLTON ATH.

FORWARD ANORTHOSIS FAM.

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

AGE

CAPS GOALS

25

3

0

25

4

0

22

8

1

29

30

5

33

85

20

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If a four-goal blitz in the Baltics provided lift-off, Corry Evans believes a win over Switzerland in Belfast would send Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualification prospects into orbit .

CORRY EVANS I T ’S T IME TO KICK ON…

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SQUAD NO: 13 \ NI APP: 66 CLUBS: MANCHESTER UNI TED (0) CARLISLE UNI TED (LOAN 1)

HULL CI T Y (LOAN 18) HULL CI T Y (75) BLACKBURN ROVERS (206) SUNDERLAND (2)

PLACE OF BIRTH: BELFAST HEIGHT: 178CM WEIGHT: 69KG

DATE OF BIRTH: 30-07-1990

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

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An hour of Fun Football means more than just 60minutes.

Football seems to always be about the numbers.

Shots on target. Possession stats. Successful dribbles. Tackles made. Offsides. Minutes played. The scoreline. While we’re thrilled to be celebrating hitting our target a year early, it’s never been just about the numbers. It’s always been about the kids and the enjoyment they get fromour sessions. If there’s a smile on their faces, that’s a win for us.

Here’s to plenty more hours of Fun Football!

WORDS: DARREN FULLERTON DAILY MIRROR

Thursday’s thumping 4-1 win over Lithuania at the LFF Stadionas has revived hopes that boss Ian Baraclough and his players can muscle their way into the race to Qatar. And while Evans was frustrated to miss out through injury, he hopes Northern Ireland use their Vilnius victory as a launchpad for the remainder of the Group C campaign. The Sunderland captain said: “It’s going to be a really big night against Switzerland and the win over Lithuania has set this game up really nicely. “With it also being in front of supporters again, the noise will be electric. “I hope we use that support and atmosphere to really go at the Swiss, try to get another win over the line and really kick on in our qualifying campaign. “The aim going into this double header was to keep our hopes alive and really have something to play for heading into October and November.” Despite producing a series of positive performances over the past 12 months, last week’s win in Lithuania was only the second competitive victory for Northern Ireland in 11 outings. It was also the first win of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying series following a 2-0 defeat to Italy, who went on to win the Euro 2020 finals, and a scoreless draw with Bulgaria in Belfast in March. But Evans, who joined Sunderland from Blackburn Rovers in July, believes it was only a matter of time before Baraclough and his players got their campaign up and running. “I do think some of our performances before Lithuania were good, and while we lost to Italy you could see how good they were when they won the Euros,” he said.

“Drawing at home to Bulgaria wasn’t ideal , but if we can come out of these two qualifiers with two positive results then it gives us something to build on.” Evans is pleased with the decision to permit 16,000 supporters to attend tonight’s qualifier. He pointed out : “It’ ll be great for the players to have fans back because we have missed them. “I know the lads will relish having a near full capacity back. Everyone talks about the atmosphere in the stadium and as a player you do feel it . “I’m sure our fans can’t wait to get back into the stadium and they always give you an extra drive. It’ ll be great to have that back again.” Evans needs little reminding of the last time Switzerland came to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park - for a vital World Cup play-off in 2017. Pre-VAR, he was wrongly adjudged to have handled the ball with the Swiss scoring a resulting penalty and going on to reach the finals 1-0 on aggregate. “You still probably look back and wonder what might have been - but you have to move on,” said Evans. “We have a new manager and new players in the squad and our aim now is to try to get to another major tournament .”

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DID YOU KNOW?

WORDS: MARSHALL GILLESPIE

When Ali McCann fired home his first international goal in the 3-0 win against Malta at the end of May he became the 230th player to find the net for Ireland/Northern Ireland since 1882. McCann also became only the third player from St Johnstone to score for Northern Ireland, the other two being George O’Boyle (May 1996 v Germany) and Danny Griffin (May 1999 v Republic of Ireland) . He has, of course, since moved to Preston North End.

When Edinburgh-born Ali McCann scored against Malta in May he became the first player born in Scotland to register a goal for Ireland/Northern Ireland in 119 years! The last player to do it was Linfield centre half Bob Milne, who was born in Inverarity in Forfarshire. He found the net , ironically, against Scotland in a 5-1 defeat on 1 March 1902 at Grosvenor Park in Belfast .

As of the start of the 2021-2022 season, there were a total of 40 players plying their trade with professional clubs in England and Scotland who have graduated through the Irish Football Association’s Club NI programme. A total of 17 of those players are attached to clubs in the English Premier League and 16 with teams in both the EFL Championship (eight) and League One (eight) , while there are six with Scottish Premiership sides and one with a club in the Scottish Championship.

The legendary George Best scored a total of nine goals for Northern Ireland, however his first ever goal for his country came against tonight’s opponents Switzerland. Best was aged only 18 years and 177 days and was winning just his fifth Northern Ireland cap when he scored against the Swiss in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat in Lausanne on 14 November 1964. His last international goals came when he bagged a 12-minute hat-trick in a 5-0 European Qualifiers win over Cyprus at Windsor Park on 21 April 1971. When Ian Baraclough gave Conor Bradley his senior international debut against Ukraine in June, he became only the fifth Liverpool player ever to be capped by Ireland/ Northern Ireland. The first was the inside forward Billy Lacey who won the first of his 12 caps as a Liverpool player in 1913. Belfast-born David McMullan played three games for Ireland while at Anfield between 1925 and 1927, while the great Elisha Scott made a total of 27 appearances for his country while playing for the Reds, the last coming in 1933. In 2014 full-back Ryan McLaughlin became the first Liverpool player in 81 years to don the Northern Ireland jersey when he made his debut against Uruguay.

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Northern Ireland have previously played full internationals on 8 September on just five occasions with only one of those games ending in a victory. The full list is: 1993 V LATVIA (H) – WCQ – WON 2-0 (Jimmy Quinn, Phil Gray) 1999 V GERMANY (A) – ECQ – LOST 0-4 2004 V WALES (A) – WCQ – DREW 2-2 (Jeff Whitley, David Healy) 2007 V LATVIA (A) – ECQ – LOST 0-1 2018 V BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (H) – NL – LOST 1-2 (Will Grigg)

Northern Ireland have played this evening’s opponents Switzerland on a total of six occasions. The first meeting came in Belfast in 1964 when the home side defeated them 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier thanks to a Jonny Crossan penalty, although the return match in Lausanne, exactly one month later, ended in a 2-1 defeat for Bertie Peacock’s side. The most recent encounters between the two countries came in the play- offs for the 2018 World Cup when the Swiss won 1-0 on aggregate over the two games. Our full record against them is: P W D L F A 6 2 2 2 3 3

Tonight’s encounter with Switzerland will be Northern Ireland’s 65th World Cup Qualifier at Windsor Park. The first ever World Cup qualifier to take place at the stadium was on 1 October 1949 when visitors Scotland ran out very comfortable 8-2 winners. Northern Ireland’s two goals that day came from Wolves forward Sammy Smyth. Since that inauspicious start , performances and results have improved. Our full record

now reads: P W D

L A 64 31 14 19 96 65 F

George Best held many records during his career, but did you know that he was the first ever player to convert from the spot in a penalty shootout in a professional game in England? It came in 1970 in the semi-final of the Watney Cup, a pre-season invitational tournament , when Manchester United played Hull City at Boothferry Park. After a 1-1 draw, United won 4-3 on penalties, despite Denis Law becoming the first ever player to miss from 12 yards in a shootout decider.

At 17 years and 172 days, Nottingham Forest’s Dale Taylor became the youngest ever player to score for the Northern Ireland U21 side when they defeated their Scottish counterparts 2-1 at Dumbarton back in June. A total of 77 players have found the net for the U21 side since 1978, scoring a total of 145 goals (four of which have been from opposition players) . Northern Ireland’s top scorers at this level are two players who are in tonight’s senior squad, Liam Donnelly and Shayne Lavery, both of whom have scored five goals apiece.

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SCOUTING REPORT

For much of Petkovic’s time in charge of Switzerland the team operated with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

With Yakin having deployed with a similar system during periods at the helm with the likes of Basel , Spartak Moscow, Schaffhausen, Grasshoppers and Sion, it is likely the Swiss will set up with a back four and a loan striker for the time being at least . It should be noted, however, that Switzerland played with a 3-4-1-2/3-4-2-1 formation for the majority of UEFA Euro 2020. Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodríguez formed an effective back three for much of the competition, while Xherdan Shaqiri and Breel Embolo operated just behind out and out frontman Haris Seferovic. The Swiss played with a back four in a 4-4-2 formation for parts of their knockout matches against France and Spain. STRENGTHS UEFA Euro 2020 provided a perfect example of Switzerland’s ability to adapt their tactical approach depending on their opponents. Requiring a win in their final Group A match against Turkey to progress to the knockout phase, the Rossocrociati produced a fantastic attacking display in which they fashioned 23 shots (including 10 efforts on target) and won 3-1. In contrast they held their defensive shape magnificently against a Spain side many would have considered to be technically superior, forcing the former world champions to a penalty shootout despite having just 28% possession. Sometimes maligned for his displays at club level , Granit Xhaka has been a key performer for the Swiss national team over the last decade. However, he is not available for tonight’s game and will be a big loss. And Shaqiri and Embolo are also missing. Striker Haris Seferovic has been in good goalscoring form in 2021, with five goals in nine international appearances this year, including three goals at UEFA Euro 2020. Steven Zuber brings real creativity to the side. He made more assists at UEFA Euro 2020 (four) than any other player.

Andy Greeves takes a closer look at Switzerland ahead of this evening’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier. LOWDOWN Soon after Switzerland’s memorable UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, which saw the Rossocrociati (Red Crosses) reach the quarter-finals of the competition, Vladimir Petkovic stepped down from his role as Swiss head coach to take charge at Bordeaux. His replacement is former Swiss international centre back Murat Yakin, who won 49 caps and scored four goals for his country between 1994 and 2004. Yakin’s first match in charge was a friendly against Greece last week, while his first competitive game was Sunday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Italy in Basel . Switzerland’s latest World Cup qualifying campaign got off to an excellent start as they beat Bulgaria 3-1 in Sofia back in March thanks to goals from Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic and Steven Zuber while they followed that up with a 1-0 home triumph over Lithuania three days later, which saw Xherdan Shaqiri score their winner. Last Wednesday they defeated Greece 2-1 in the friendly thanks to goals from Steven Zuber and Ruben Vargas, while on Sunday they were at home to Group C favourites Italy. That game ended 0-0. TACTICS With Petkovic having guided Switzerland to the knockout phase of three consecutive major tournaments (UEFA Euro 2016, FIFA World Cup 2018 and UEFA Euro 2020) , during a seven- year tenure as Switzerland head coach, his shoes will be big ones to fill for Yakin.

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THE SWISS WERE ON A ROLL AT EURO 2020…

WORDS: ANDY GREEVES

It was a case of perfect Swiss timing for Vladimir Petković’s team as they made history at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020.

When Paul Pogba scored to put France 3-1 up in their UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match against Switzerland in Bucharest on 28 June this year, media outlet 20 Minutes reported that some 250,000 Swiss TV viewers turned off their sets with 15 minutes of the game remaining. Those who abandoned ship early missed a series of plot twists in one of the competition’s best matches along with one of the finest performances by the Rossocrociati (Red Crosses) at a major tournament . Having failed to progress beyond the group stage on three of their four previous appearances at the European Championship finals, in 1996, 2004 and 2008 (while they reached the round of 16 in 2016) , it’s fair to say expectations of Vladimir Petković’s side ahead of the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 were somewhat tempered. That said the Swiss did raise some eyebrows topping their qualifying group, which contained Denmark, Republic of Ireland, Georgia and Gibraltar. A 1-1 draw with Wales in their opening UEFA Euro 2020 Group A encounter followed by a 3-0 defeat to Italy left Switzerland’s hopes of making it through to the knockout phase hanging by a thread. A goal from Haris Seferovic and a brace from Xherdan Shaqiri saw the Swiss to a convincing 3-1 victory over Turkey in Baku in their final group match though, as Petković’s men progressed as one of the tournament’s best third- placed teams. And so to the aforementioned round of 16 clash against many people’s pre-tournament favourites. Haris Seferovic gave the Swiss an early lead with a pinpoint header. The Rossocrociati then missed a glorious chance to double their advantage when Ricardo Rodriguez’s spot kick was saved by Les Bleus captain Hugo Lloris.

A brace from Karim Benzema and the strike from Pogba looked to have put the tie beyond the Swiss. But Petković’s team rallied. A second headed goal from Seferovic came with nine minutes of the 90 remaining. Mario Gavranović had a Swiss ‘equaliser’ ruled out for offside minutes later. They were not to be denied though and it was Gavranović who latched on to a perfect through ball from Granit Xhaka to make it 3-3 with just 12 seconds of normal time remaining. In extra time Switzerland produced a tactical masterclass to restrict the French to just two good goalscoring opportunities, which they failed to take. The Rossocrociati were clinical in the ensuing penalty shootout , converting all five of their spot kicks. Kylian Mbappe knew he had to score when he stepped up to take France’s fifth penalty. An outstretched left arm from in-form goalkeeper Yann Sommer denied him as Switzerland made history by reaching their first European Championship quarter-final . In their last eight clash with Spain it was 1-1 after 90 minutes, Shaqiri’s third goal of the tournament , which came in the second half, cancelling out an own goal from Denis Zakaria. Resolute once again in extra time, Switzerland forced their way to a second successive penalty shootout . Misses from Fabian Schär, Manuel Akanji and Ruben Vargas were to deny them another sporting miracle though as they went down to a 3-1 spot kick defeat . Less than a month after their tournament elimination boss Petkovic stepped down from his role as Swiss head coach to take charge at French club Bordeaux - but both he and his Switzerland class of 2021 had already guaranteed their place in national sporting immortality by that stage.

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WORDS: WILLIAM CAMPBELL

THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE – BRING BACK JACKIE We have all enjoyed those foot in mouth moments when the

commentators get it so wrong, such as the declaration that a player has the sweetest left foot in the galaxy coming just before said player shanks his cross into Row Z.

Or it could be the confidence of the commentator telling us the penalty record of the kicker as he squirts his Panenka into the hands of the grateful goalkeeper. It is not only football that provides us with such moments. During the recent Tokyo Olympics the commentators were gushing about the world’s greatest g ymnast just before he lost his grip as he somersaulted into the air and fell to the floor from the High Bar. No gold medals for him nor for his humbled cheerleader. There is, of course, a fine line between praise and some of the current trend for overbearing sycophantic gushing. Many of the stoical old time commentators have passed on. Peter Alliss was always on the point with a wisecrack as the golfers fought for the old Claret Jug. I grew up listening to the Test Match Special team on the radio. Brian Johnston seemed to really enjoy the cricket and his delight was transposed into the listeners by his enthusiasm and the sheer joy of what he was doing.

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JACKIE FULLERTON IN FULL FLOW BEHIND THE MICROPHONE

My personal favourite was probably Richie Benaud. He had the skill to let the pictures tell the story and to understand that less is often more. On his retirement the crowd and players stood and applauded his final spell behind the microphone. Closer to home we now miss the Ballymena twang of Jackie Fullerton. Watching football just isn’t the same without Jackie. Could that be why our fortunes have been waning a little? I wonder. Some of Jackie’s finest moments came during the famous Healy match versus England back in 2005. Not long after Northern Ireland had scored Jackie said to his co-commentator, the late Alan McDonald, the following words: “I’m famous for saying can you believe it , but can you believe it?” It was a classic line that caught the mood of the night perfectly. But perhaps my favourite Jackie-ism, and one which I am reminded of from time to time by one of my now former colleagues, came right at the end of that match.

The referee was Massimo Busacca from Switzerland (now Head of Refereeing at FIFA) and as the clock ticked down with our wee country still leading a glance at his watch was heralded by Jackie: “The referee is from Switzerland. He must have a good Swiss watch and he’s checking it again.” Right on cue Massimo blew his whistle to unleash the crazy celebrations of that particular evening. I have got to know Massimo through the International Football Association Board and I have once or twice asked him if he has a good Swiss watch. Massimo, while remembering the match very well and with no little pleasure, is always a little nonplussed by my question. Not surprisingly, I suppose, he just doesn’t get the significance. Maybe Jackie isn’t as famous in the Italian speaking cantons of Switzerland as he is here. They definitely missed out!

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THE COACH: SWITZERLAND

For the first time in seven years Switzerland have a new man in charge after appointing Murat Yakin to lead the country last month. The 46-year-old was the national federation’s choice to replace Vladimir Petkovic, who left to take charge of Ligue 1 club Bordeaux after an impressive run in which he guided Switzerland to the knockout phase of two European Championships and a World Cup. His successor Yakin, a former central defender who starred for Stuttgart , Fenerbahce and Basel in his playing days, made 49 appearances for Switzerland between 1994 and 2004 and even captained his country. “The national team was already an affair of the heart for me as a player,” he said upon being hired. “It is a great honour and a pleasure for me to be able to represent our country as a coach. “I have no doubts that we will quality for the World Cup with this great team and that we will celebrate further successes.” Yakin, whose parents are from Turkey, has extensive experience as a head coach, having managed eight different clubs in his homeland as well as Russian club Spartak Moscow. He won successive league titles with Basel in the past decade. He vacated his job with Swiss second-tier side Schaffhausen – whom he led to a fourth-placed finish last season – to take the job with Switzerland. “Murat Yakin is a strong personality with extensive international experience as a player and coach,” said national team director Pierluigi Tami, who revealed the new man was the Swiss Federation board’s top candidate for the post . “He is a modern, young Swiss coach who has a clear idea of the game, great technical football skills and clear goals.”

WORDS: LIAM BLACKBURN

Unsurprisingly given Switzerland’s impressive run to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals he has named 23 players in his first squad who were part of the group at that tournament under Petkovic’s watch. The vast majority of Yakin’s chosen squad are under the age 30 too, suggesting the new man has arrived to take over a group that is yet to reach its peak. » Yakin is the elder brother of Hakan Yakin, a former striker who was capped 87 times and represented Switzerland at four major tournaments. » He led Thun to promotion to the top flight by winning the title in his first season in charge before guiding them into Europe in his second campaign. » In the 2012-13 season Yakin led a Basel side that included Yann Sommer, Fabian Schar and Mohamed Salah to the Europa League semi-finals after knocking out Tottenham Hotspur in the last eight . » A year later Basel beat Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea home and away in the Champions League and made it to the Europa League quarter-finals. » Yakin was linked with replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton in 2014 but was eventually appointed as Spartak Moscow’s new boss instead.

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THE SQUAD: SWITZERLAND

WORDS: LIAM BLACKBURN

YANN SOMMER GOALKEEPER BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH AGE 32 CAPS 66 GOALS 0 Sommer made his debut for the senior side nearly a decade ago and has represented his country at two World Cups and a pair of European Championships. Saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty to secure a famous win over France at Euro 2020. Has been at Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach since 2014. RICARDO RODRIGUEZ DEFENDER TORINO AGE 29 CAPS 86 GOALS 9 Zurich-born left back who has a Spanish father and Chilean mother. Made his senior debut against Wales in Swansea in 2011. Rodriguez scored the crucial penalty in Belfast in the first leg of the 2018 World Cup play-off and then headed Jonny Evans’ effort off the line in Basel to ensure Switzerland went to Russia. NICO ELVEDI DEFENDER BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH AGE 24 CAPS 31 GOALS 1 Classy centre back who cited Sergio Ramos as a role model growing up. Elvedi, who has a twin brother who is also a professional footballer, finished the 2020- 21 Bundesliga season with the best pass completion percentage of any player in the league. Played every minute of Switzerland’s Euro 2020 campaign. CEDRIC ZESIGER DEFENDER YOUNG BOYS AGE 23 CAPS 0 GOALS 0 In the senior set-up for the first time after impressing with Switzerland Under-21s and domestically for Young Boys, with whom he has won two league titles. Zesiger is primarily a central defender who previously played for Neuchatel Xamax and Grasshoppers in his home country.

YVON MVOGO GOALKEEPER PSV AGE 27 CAPS 4 GOALS 0

GREGOR KOBEL GOALKEEPER BORUSSIA DORTMUND AGE 23 CAPS 0 GOALS 0

Cameroon-born stopper who came through the academy at Young Boys. He moved to RB Leipzig in 2017 and is still contracted to the club but is currently on a two-year loan with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. Mvogo debuted for the Swiss in a 2-1 win over Iceland in 2018.

Though he was uncapped prior to this international window, Kobel, one of three Swiss goalkeepers at Dortmund, has started the season as BVB’s number one after joining in the summer. He made the third-most saves in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart last season. Was part of the Euro 2020 squad.

FABIAN SCHAR DEFENDER NEWCASTLE UNITED

MANUEL AKANJI DEFENDER BORUSSIA DORTMUND

AGE 29 CAPS 64 GOALS 8 Schar won the Swiss Super League three times with Basel before moving to Hoffenheim in Germany and then on to Deportivo La Coruna in Spain. Premier League appearances. His last international goal came against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in September 2019. He signed for Newcastle in 2018 and has made 66 AGE 28 CAPS 20 GOALS 1 Widmer spent five years in Serie A with Udinese before returning to Switzerland with Basel. He made the move to Mainz in July. Widmer made his senior international debut in a 4-0 win over San Marino in 2014 and started three of Switzerland’s games at Euro 2020, including both of the knockout games. ULISSES GARCIA DEFENDER YOUNG BOYS AGE 23 CAPS 1 GOALS 0 A late call-up to the squad following the withdrawals of Kevin Mbabu and Loris Benito. Born in Portugal, the left back was raised in Switzerland and was a regular for the Under- 21s. Has won back-to-back league titles with Young Boys. Made his senior Swiss debut off the bench against Greece last week. SILVAN WIDMER DEFENDER MAINZ

AGE 26 CAPS 34 GOALS 0 Another BVB player, central defender Akanji has been a regular for the Bundesliga giants since moving from Basel in 2018. He has ranked in the top five for passes completed in the Bundesliga in back-to-back seasons. Also known as a maths whizz who can swiftly solve complex equations.

JORDAN LOTOMBA DEFENDER NICE AGE 22 CAPS 2 GOALS 0

A full back who can operate on both sides, Lotomba made Four Four Two’s list of the Best Teenagers in the World in 2017. He moved from Young Boys to Ligue 1 club Nice in 2020 and made 30 top flight appearances – 24 of those starts – last term. Both of his appearances for Switzerland prior to this window were in friendlies. STEVEN ZUBER MIDFIELD EINTRACHT FRANKFURT AGE 30 CAPS 41 GOALS 8 Zuber came through the ranks at Grasshopper before moving to CSKA Moscow and then Hoffenheim. The midfielder is now contracted to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. No-one created more assists at Euro 2020 than Zuber, who laid on four goals for his Swiss team-mates during their run to the last eight.

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REMO FREULER MIDFIELD ATALANTA AGE 29 CAPS 34 GOALS 3 Central midfielder who joined Serie A club Atalanta in early 2016. Freuler was a key part of the team which reached the 2019-20 Champions League quarter-finals. He suffered more last eight heartache for Switzerland at Euro 2020 when he was sent off in the penalty shootout loss to Spain. AGE 29 CAPS 14 GOALS 0 Winger who has previously played for three clubs – Thun, Young Boys and Basel – in the Swiss Super League. A two- time league champion with Basel, he joined Wolfsburg in 2018 and has so far scored 16 top flight goals in Germany. Steffen’s last appearance for Switzerland before this window came in 2020. HARIS SEFEROVIC FORWARD BENFICA AGE 29 CAPS 79 GOALS 24 Seferovic scored the winning goal for his country in the final at the 2009 Under-19 World Cup. Five of his senior international goals have come in 2021, including two against France at Euro 2020, and he netted 22 times in 31 league games for Benfica last term. ANDI ZEQIRI FORWARD BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION AGE 22 CAPS 0 GOALS 0 Zeqiri’s first club was Lausanne and he made his senior debut as a 15-year- old. He went on loan to Juventus’ academy before scoring 22 times in 37 appearances with Lausanne to earn a move to Brighton. Made nine outings for the Seagulls last term, all of them off the bench. RENATO STEFFEN MIDFIELD WOLFSBURG

DENIS ZAKARIA MIDFIELD BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH AGE 24 CAPS 34 GOALS 3 All-action midfielder who has been compared to Toni Kroos by Lothar Matthaus, while Yann Sommer said he shares similarities with Zinedine Zidane. His mother is from Sudan and his father from Congo, but Zakaria, born in Geneva, has been part of the Swiss set-up since playing for the Under-19s in 2014. AGE 24 CAPS 3 GOALS 0 Aebischer is one of three players in this squad who plays his club football in Switzerland and is now in his sixth season with Young Boys, with whom he has won three titles. All three of his Swiss caps won prior to this international window came in appearances made off the bench. MICHEL AEBISCHER MIDFIELD YOUNG BOYS AGE 23 CAPS 16 GOALS 2 Winger with a father who hails from the Dominican Republic. He grew up in the same town as Swiss legend Stephan Lichtsteiner. He converted a penalty in the Euro 2020 shootout win over France in the last 16 but missed from 12 yards in the loss to Spain. DAN NDOYE FORWARD NICE AGE 20 CAPS 0 GOALS 0 Uncapped striker who scored five goals in 11 appearances during the last Under-21 Euros qualifiers and finals. He joined Ligue 1 outfit Nice in the summer of 2020 after helping his first senior club, Lausanne-Sport, win RUBEN VARGAS FORWARD AUGSBURG

DJIBRIL SOW MIDFIELD EINTRACHT FRANKFURT AGE 24 CAPS 18 GOALS 0

Sow is a regular for Eintracht, who finished last season fifth in the Bundesliga table. He began his senior career with Borussia Monchengladbach but returned to Switzerland and helped Young Boys win their first title in 32 years before moving on to Frankfurt. His cousin, Coumba, represents the women’s national team. FABIAN FREI MIDFIELD BASEL AGE 32 CAPS 14 GOALS 3 Experienced midfielder enjoying his second spell with Basel after initially making over 250 appearances for the club between 2007 and 2015. He was drafted into this squad following Granit Xhaka’s withdrawal. A five-time Super League winner, Frei’s last senior cap before this international window was in March 2018. AGE 27 CAPS 10 GOALS 3 Fassnacht is a wide player with an eye for goal – he has reached double figures in four of the past five Swiss Super League seasons. A four-time title winner with Young Boys, he scored twice in the 7-0 win over Liechtenstein back in June and was part of the Euro 2020 squad. CHRISTIAN FASSNACHT FORWARD YOUNG BOYS

ALL STAT IST ICS WERE CORRECT PRIOR TO SWI TZERL AND’S FRIENDLY AGAINST GREECE L AST WEEK

promotion to the Swiss top flight. His father is Senegalese.

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