Czech Rep vs N Ireland
International Match
6:00pm Monday October
Generali Arena
As Northern Ireland withstood a second-half fightback in Czech Republic to record an impressive win in Prague paddy McNair scored double.
Michael ONeills side were good value for their 3-0 half-time lead as McNairs clinical opener (9) was inserted to by Jonny Evans after Czech Republic failed to clear out some set-piece (23).
McNair hurried onto Steven Davis pass to sweep in a third to the visitors (40), but afterwards crumbling against the Netherlands, Northern Ireland were grateful for its last whistle after being pegged back at the second half.
The hosts improved dramatically following the rest as quickfire goals from Vladimir Darida (67) and Alex Kral (68) threatened to spoil Northern Irelands nighttime, but there wouldnt be any replica of Rotterdam.
ONeill had failed to register a win in some of his preceding 12 off friendlies as Northern Ireland manager, but afterwards Ronald Koeman branded his sides strategy asterrible to watch, this had been lucky number 13 and also the perfect riposte.
Regardless of the euphoria of finish Englands 43-game unbeaten streak in World Cup and Euro qualifiers on Friday, there were plenty of empty chairs around the Generali Arena – which proved that a case of following the Lord Mayors show to the Czechs, who made 10 changes.
The visitors survived an early scare when a clearance from Evans enabled Josef Husbauer to cross for Radim Reznik to go towards goal, but Michael McGovern – on his return to the side – kept his campaign out .
However, it had been ONeills men, experimenting with a 3-5-2 formation – since McNair struck in the ninth minute, that broke the deadlock, latching on to the low cross of Liam Boyce and beating on his own guy.
Plus it was 2-0 at the 23rd minute after a corner caused chaos. Tom Flanagans attempt was blocked but the ball dropped for Evans to fire into the roof of the internet.
Seconds after, Gavin Whyte was denied from close range all at sea. The hosts squandered their very best chance of the first half since Kral pulled the ball back to Michael Krmencik and beat McLaughlin on the left, however he couldnt find the target.
And things got worse to the Czechs as the ball slid through from inside his own half and McNair driven towards target , coolly rounding thekeeper.
Zdenek Ondrasek came on at the break and that he revitalised the Czech attack, however, Craig Cathcart produced a nice block to deny him a immediate impact, minutes after Ladislav Krejci watched his shot kept outside by McGovern.
Jan Kopic for another chance set up ondrasek upon the hour-mark, but the replacement fired extensive as the hosts continued to show urgency, along with Northern Ireland were undone twice in the space of two minutes.
The unwanted of jaroslav Silhavy decreased the deficit when Daridas climbing shot through a crowded box was too hot for McGovern. And Kral strode ahead and struck on a second into the bottom corner of the net until Northern Ireland may draw attention.
But after radically conceding two goals in stoppage time in the Netherlands, where England failed Northern Ireland held their nerve to succeed.
Former Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley advised SSN…
It was all about the result tonight, actually. They showed determination, grit and plenty of heart.
Its the first away friendly which we have won in 13 games so its a large result, particularly after another night.
The four replacements made a gigantic difference and changed the match. They awakened us back and we defended for most of the second-half. It turned out to be a operation and one Michael will be quite proud with.
Northern Ireland now host Netherlands on November 16 at Euro Qualifying group C, before a Visit to Germany on November 19, with both matches kicking off at 7.45pm and then live on Sky Sports.
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