Northern Ireland vs Switzerland (21/03/2025)

NORTHERN IRELAND PROMOTED TO UNL LEAGUE B WORDS: NIGEL TILSON The Northern Ireland senior

men’s team earned promotion to League B for the fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League after winning League C Group 3 back in the autumn. Northern Ireland’s fourth UNL campaign began with a home game against Luxembourg in early September. They controlled the game in Belfast and deservedly ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from defenders Paddy McNair and Daniel Ballard. Game two in the group was a much tougher assignment – away to Bulgaria at Stadion Hristo Botev in Plovdiv. In sultry conditions in early September, on a lumpy pitch, O’Neill’s team were left frustrated after Bulgaria scored just before the break and defended strongly from then on to claim all three points. Belarus provided the opposition on matchday three the following month – and it was another frustrating experience for Northern Ireland. O’Neill’s side had the bulk of the chances but could not find the net in the behind-closed doors match at the ZTE Arena in the city of Zalaegerszeg in western Hungary. The game ended goalless. October, however, also brought a victory over Bulgaria which will live long in the memory. Northern Ireland produced an exquisite display of attacking football as they demolished the Bulgarians at the National Stadium. An Isaac Price hat-trick, an own goal and a strike from substitute Josh Magennis secured an excellent 5-0 win.

The emphatic victory meant Northern Ireland topped C3 on seven points after four games. The aim in the final two games of the campaign was to secure top spot and promotion to League B for the next edition of the competition. Northern Ireland produced a solid display against Belarus in mid-November to stay at the summit of the group. Second half goals from Daniel Ballard and Dion Charles (penalty) earned O’Neill’s team a deserved 2-0 victory. Going into the match the Belarusians were unbeaten in their opening four fixtures in the group - and had conceded only one goal. But following a first half in which they had to be patient, Northern Ireland turned the screw after the break and netted the goals that secured three points. Northern Ireland only needed a draw against Luxembourg in their final C3 game to win the group and earn promotion. And they duly obliged with a 2-2 draw. Over 1000 Northern Ireland fans were among the 6870 in attendance at the Stade de Luxembourg for the match. O’Neill’s side were in control for long spells. They went two up and were looking comfortable before two goals in quick succession by the home side earned both teams a point. Northern Ireland’s goals were scored by Isaac Price and Conor Bradley. Seid Korac and Gerson Rodrigues netted for the home side. Northern Ireland topped the C3 group with 11 points from six games, while Bulgaria finished second on nine points. Belarus were third with seven points and top seeds Luxembourg registered just three points.

IRISHFA.COM

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