Czech Rep vs N Ireland
International Match
6:00pm Monday 14th October
Generali Arena
Paddy McNair scored as Northern Ireland withstood a second-half fightback from Czech Republic to capture an impressive 3-2 friendly win in Prague.
Michael ONeills side were good value due to their 3-0 half-time contribute as McNairs clinical opener (9) was inserted to by Jonny Evans after Czech Republic failed to clear some set-piece (23).
McNair hurried onto Steven Davis pass to sweep at a third to the traffic (40), however afterwards crumbling from the Netherlands, Northern Ireland were thankful for the closing whistle after being pegged back in the second half.
The hosts enhanced dramatically after the fracture as quickfire goals from Vladimir Darida (67) and Alex Kral (68) threatened to spoil Northern Irelands nighttime, but there would be no replica of Rotterdam.
ONeill had failed to register a win in some of his past 12 away friendlies as Northern Ireland manager, but afterwards Ronald Koeman labelled his sides strategy asdreadful to observe, this has been lucky number 13 and the perfect riposte.
Despite the euphoria of finish Englands 43-game unbeaten run in World Cup and Euro qualifiers on Friday, there were plenty of empty seats around the Generali Arena – and this proved a case of after the Lord Mayors series for the Czechs, who made 10 changes.
The people survived an early scare when a poor clearance in Evans enabled Josef Husbauer to cross for Radim Reznik to head towards goal, but Michael McGovern – on his return to the negative – retained out his effort from six metres.
But it had been ONeills guys, experimentation with a formation – since McNair struck at the ninth minute, who broke the deadlock, latching on to the low cross of Liam Boyce and beating his guy to fire under goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka.
Plus it was 2-0 at the 23rd minute after a corner caused chaos in the Czech Republic box. Tom Flanagans effort was blocked but the ball fell to fire in the roof of the net.
Seconds after, Gavin Whyte has been denied from close range using the hosts all at sea. The hosts wasted their very best chance of the first half since Kral conquer on McLaughlin about the left and pulled the ball back for Michael Krmencik, however he couldnt locate the target.
And things got worse in the 40th minute for the Czechs as the ball slid through from inside his own half and McNair driven towards goal, coolly rounding thekeeper.
Zdenek Ondrasek arrived in the break and he revitalised the Czech assault, however, Craig Cathcart produced a good block to deny him moments after Ladislav Krejci watched his shot kept out by McGovern, a impact.
Ondrasek was set up by Jan Kopic for yet another chance about the hour-mark, however, the substitute fired wide as the hosts continued to show increased urgency, along with Northern Ireland were undone twice in the space of two minutes.
Jaroslav Silhavys unwanted decreased the deficit once Darida shot through a crowded box was too hot for McGovern. And until Northern Ireland could draw breath, Kral strode forward and struck a second.
But after conceding two goals in stoppage time at the Netherlands, at which England failed Northern Ireland held their nerve in the four minutes that were added to triumph.
Former Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley advised SSN…
It was about the outcome tonight, actually. They showed determination, grit and plenty of heart.
Its the very first away friendly that weve won in 13 games so it is a large result, especially after another night.
The four substitutes made a difference and changed the match. They awakened us back in and we defended for the majority of the second-half. It was a dogged performance and one Michael will be proud with.
Northern Ireland currently sponsor Netherlands on November 16 from Euro Qualifying group Cbefore a trip to Germany on November 19, using both games kicking off at 7.45pm and also then live on Sky Sports.
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