Czech Rep vs N Ireland
International Match
6:00pm Monday 14th October
Generali Arena
Paddy McNair scored twice as Northern Ireland withstood a second-half fightback from Czech Republic to capture an amazing win in Prague.
Michael ONeills side were good value because of their 3-0 half-time lead as McNairs clinical opener (9) was inserted to by Jonny Evans following Czech Republic didnt clean 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 its final whistle after being pegged back at the second half.
The hosts improved dramatically after the rest as quickfire goals from Vladimir Darida (67) and Alex Kral (68) threatened to spoil Northern Irelands night, but there wouldnt be any replica of Rotterdam.
ONeill had neglected to register a win in some of his previous 12 away friendlies as Northern Ireland manager, but after Ronald Koeman labelled his sides approach 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 chairs around the Generali Arena – and this proved a case of following the Lord Mayors series to the Czechs, who made 10 changes.
The people survived an early scare when a clearance by Evans allowed Josef Husbauer to cross for Radim Reznik to head towards goal, however Michael McGovern – on his return to the side – retained out his campaign .
Nevertheless, it had been ONeills guys, experimenting with a formation – since McNair struck in the ninth minute, that broke the deadlock, latching on to Liam Boyces low cross and beating his guy to fire beneath goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka.
And it was 2-0 in the 23rd minute after a corner caused chaos. Tom Flanagans effort was blocked but the ball fell for Evans to fire into the roof of the net.
Seconds later, Gavin Whyte was denied at sea from close range. The hosts then wasted their best chance of the first half since Kral pulled down the ball for Michael Krmencik and conquer McLaughlin about the left, however he could not locate the target.
And things got worse at the 40th minute for the Czechs as the ball slid McNair driven towards goal and from inside their own half , coolly rounding thekeeper.
Zdenek Ondrasek, the scourge of all England, came on in the break and he revitalised the assault, however, Craig Cathcart produced a fine block to deny him moments after Ladislav Krejci watched his shot kept out by McGovern, a instantaneous impact.
Jan Kopic for yet another decent chance set up ondrasek on the hour-mark, however, the substitute fired wide as the hosts continued to reveal increased urgency, and Northern Ireland were reversed twice at the space of 2 minutes.
Jaroslav Silhavys unwanted reduced the deficit once Darida shot through a crowded box was hot for McGovern. And Kral strode forwards and struck a second, until Northern Ireland can draw breath.
But after conceding two goals in stoppage time at the Netherlands, Northern Ireland held their nerve at the four minutes that were added to succeed where England failed.
Former Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley informed SSN…
It was all about the result tonight. They showed grit, determination and plenty of heart.
Its the first away friendly which weve won in 13 games so it is a big outcome, especially after the other night.
The four replacements made a enormous difference and changed the match. They awakened us back in and we defended for most of the second-half. It turned out to be a performance that is dogged and one Michael will be very proud with.
Northern Ireland currently host Netherlands on November 16 at Euro Qualifying set Cbefore a Visit to Germany on November 19, using both matches kicking off at 7.45pm and also then live on Sky Sports.
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