Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria (15/10/2024)

GOOD EVENING Welcome to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park for this evening’s UEFA Nations League match against Bulgaria.

Following a narrow defeat to the same team in Plovdiv a month ago, and Saturday evening’s dominant but ultimately goalless draw against Belarus in Hungary, Michael’s side will be confident that they can take the points tonight and move closer to the top of the UNL League C Group 3 table. Saturday evening’s match was eerily reminiscent of the bad old days of Covid, given that UEFA have declared that for now Belarus will play their home fixtures behind closed doors in a neutral country. The 100 decibel pre anthem yell of ‘Green and White Army’ from our colleague Nigel Tilson was also a feature of those Covid days and it was shouted with a vengeance again in Zalaegerszeg. Clubs from five nations were represented in our matchday squad at the weekend, and at times we had players from teams based in England, Belgium, Brazil and the Netherlands on the field. Two of the unused substitutes against Belarus play for Scottish clubs and with Paddy McNair about to join the MLS it seems we are getting more of a cosmopolitan feel to the squad. This can only be a good thing as exposure to different cultures and playing styles enhances the experience and value our players can bring to the party and is to be encouraged. Our Technical Director Aaron Hughes and Director of Elite Development Andy Waterworth are keen that our young players look beyond the normal destinations of England and Scotland to further advance their professional careers and I’m sure the current trend of developing wider horizons will continue. With three games gone in this six-game mini league, there is still all to play for.

Since the UEFA Nations League began in 2018 we have not fared too well, however now is certainly the time to fix that. As well as the prospect of promotion to UNL League B next time round, the seedings for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, which will be played throughout 2025, will be a direct result of Nations League performances. So there is every reason to get behind the team tonight and create that intimidating Belfast atmosphere to help the players make it two home wins from two. Tonight isn’t the only big European football night at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park this month, however. We welcome Larne to the big stage on Thursday 24 October when they take on Shamrock Rovers in their UEFA Europa Conference League group stage home opener, and we wish them good luck for that on behalf of the entire Northern Ireland football family. Also, on Tuesday 29 October, Tanya’s senior women’s team will play Croatia in the second leg of their play-off semi-final on the road to qualification for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland. We are keen to get a big crowd in that night to help Tanya and the team get over the line and into the play-off final. Tickets are available and the squad very much look forward to having your support. Enjoy the match tonight!

PATRICK NELSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

IRISHFA.COM

7