Northern Ireland finish campaign with a win

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Northern Ireland 1 - 0 Luxembourg

Jamie Donley’s first international goal proved decisive as Northern Ireland closed their World Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow victory over Luxembourg in Belfast.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Windsor Park

World Cup Qualifying | Northern Ireland v Luxembourg | View from the stands

The Tottenham forward, who previously featured for England at youth level, was making only his second senior start. In a match with little riding on it, he settled the contest from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

A closer analysis of what happened

Michael O’Neill’s side had already secured a place in next summer’s play-off semi-finals through their Nations League performance and were unable to finish above third in Group A. The manager responded by making six changes from the side beaten 1-0 by Slovakia in Kosice, a result that had ended any faint hopes of a top-two finish.

Donley was among those recalled and thought he had broken the deadlock inside 20 minutes with a tidy finish into the bottom corner, only for the effort to be ruled out after Ethan Galbraith was flagged offside in the build up.

Northern Ireland had to withstand a spell of pressure as Conor Hazard denied Christopher Martins before Mathias Olesen sent a shot narrowly wide. The breakthrough came late in the half when VAR judged Martins to have caught Ciaron Brown while attempting to clear, allowing Donley to send the goalkeeper the wrong way.

O’Neill withdrew Conor Bradley at half-time, bringing on Portsmouth’s Terry Devlin, and made another change shortly after when Brad Lyons hobbled off to be replaced by Paul Smyth. With both sides using the evening to assess their options, the second half unfolded with little urgency or invention. Isaac Price twice tested the keeper in the closing stages, but neither side came close to adding to the score as the game drifted to a quiet conclusion.

Best reaction

Stuart was in the stands watching the match, he told us: “I enjoy watching this Northern Ireland side. When they play at their best and with real intensity, they are great to watch and are continuing to improve.”

Looking at their possible play-off opponents, Terry added: “Ukraine is probably the one you would choose, if you had the choice. We all look forward to the draw now.”

Location: Donegall Ave, Belfast BT12 6LW, UK

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