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Showing posts with the label Alan White

Northern Ireland win at 10-man Luxembourg

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Luxembourg 1 - 3 Northern Ireland Northern Ireland began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a win over Luxembourg. Author | Alan White Stadium | Stade de Luxembourg Jamie Reid gave the visitors the lead in the eighth minute, but Luxembourg deservedly equalised through Aiman Dardari after half an hour. Michael O'Neill 's side were much improved after the break and earned victory thanks to first international goals from Shea Charles and Justin Devenny with Luxembourg's Seid Korac shown a second yellow in between. This was a hard-fought three points and gives Northern Ireland a positive start to their campaign on a night where Slovakia beat Germany and potentially gave O'Neill's side more hopes of qualifying.  A closer look at what happened Northern Ireland started on the front foot and twice tested goalkeeper Anthony Moris in the opening three minutes. It was in the build-up to the second opportunity, when Reid was through on goal, that ref...

Scotland looking to rediscover their form in new qualifying campaign

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Denmark v Scotland preview Could we be seeing the beginning of Steve Clarke's last dance as Scotland boss? Author | Alan White Stadium | Parken Scotland players celebrate a memorable win over Denmark in 2021 Scotland look in danger of stalling under Steve Clarke, who is still searching for a first World Cup qualification of this century. The March international break brought fresh disappointment as they were relegated from their Nations League group after a chastening defeat to Greece . The players building their careers and thriving in Italy Scotland have retained individual quality, with the likes of Scott McTominay central to their hopes. Like the former Manchester United midfielder, Billy Gilmour is also a league winner with Napoli , while Lewis Ferguson captains Bologna and lifted the Coppa Italia last season.  Teenager Lennon Miller has already traded Motherwell for Udinese after making his international debut earlier this year. Che Adams is starting his second season ...

Dundee United earn a gutsy draw in Vienna

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Rapid Vienna 2 - 2 Dundee United  Dundee United kept their Uefa Conference League hopes alive with gutsy display. Author | Alan White Stadium | Allianz Stadion View from the stands in Vienna They twice came back from behind to secure an impressive draw in the Austrian capital. Summer signings Max Watters and Zac Sapsford found the net as United stood firm against one of last season’s quarter-finalists. Already hampered by injuries, they suffered another setback when Isaac Pappoe was forced off early, and endured sustained pressure from the hosts in a raucous Allianz Stadion. Yet they rose to the occasion and will return to Tannadice with a play-off place still very much within reach. A closer look at what happened After a disciplined start, Dundee United fell behind when Petter Nosakhare Dahl drifted past Vicko Sevelj to meet a whipped Bendeguz Bolla cross and sidefoot Rapid into the lead. United refused to be rattled and responded with determination, Sapsford driving down the...

Rangers progress after draw in Athens

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Panathinaikos 1 - 1 Rangers (Rangers won 3-1 on aggregate) Not the best performance for Rangers but they got the job done Author | Alan White Stadium | Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis Rangers are now guaranteed Europa League football and will face Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic in a third round Champions League qualifier. A closer look at what happened in Athens As was the case during the first half at Ibrox, Rangers looked exposed and were fortunate to survive a barrage of Panathinaikos pressure in a charged Athens atmosphere. Anastasios Bakasetas set the tone with an early effort from the edge of the area, narrowly missing the target. What followed was a sustained spell of dominance from the hosts. Jack Butland, outstanding throughout, produced a sharp save to deny Fotis Ioannidis at his near post, before stopping a powerful close-range header from the same player. READ MORE | Who's excited for another Champions League season? READ MORE | News from across Scotland on Supe...