Czech Rep vs N Ireland
International Match
6:00pm Monday October
Generali Arena
As Northern Ireland withstood a second-half fightback to list an friendly win in Prague paddy McNair scored.
Michael ONeills side were great value due to their 3-0 half-time lead as McNairs clinical opener (9) was added to by Jonny Evans following Czech Republic failed to clean a set-piece (23).
McNair raced onto Steven Davis pass to sweep in a third for the people (40), but after crumbling against the Netherlands, Northern Ireland were thankful for the final whistle after being pegged back in the next half.
The hosts enhanced dramatically after the rest as quickfire goals from Vladimir Darida (67) and Alex Kral (68) threatened to spoil Northern Irelands night, but there would be no repeat of Rotterdam.
ONeill had neglected to register a win in any of his past 12 off friendlies as Northern Ireland manager, but after Ronald Koeman branded his sides strategy asterrible to watch, this was lucky number 13 and also the perfect riposte.
Regardless of the euphoria of finish Englands 43-game unbeaten run in World Cup and Euro qualifiers on Fridaythere were lots of empty seats around the Generali Arena – which proved a case of after the Lord Mayors show for the Czechs, who made 10 changes.
The visitors survived an early scare when a clearance by 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 campaign .
Nevertheless, it was ONeills men, experimenting with a 3-5-2 formation – as McNair struck in the ninth minute, that broke the deadlock, latching on to the low cross of Liam Boyce and beating his own guy.
And it was 2-0 in the 23rd minute when a corner caused chaos. Tom Flanagans attempt was blocked but the ball fell for Evans to fire into the roof of the net.
Gavin Whyte has been refused with all the hosts from close range all at sea. The hosts then wasted their best chance of the first half since Kral conquer on McLaughlin on the left and pulled the ball back however he couldnt find the target.
And things got worse in the 40th minute to the Czechs as Davis slipped the ball McNair driven towards target and from within his own half rounding thekeeper.
Zdenek Ondrasek, the scourge of England, came on at the break and that he revitalised the Czech assault, however, Craig Cathcart made a fine block to deny him minutes after Ladislav Krejci watched his shot kept outside by McGovern, an impact.
The substitute fired wide as the hosts continued to show urgency, along with Northern Ireland were undone in the space of 2 minutes, although Jan Kopic for another good opportunity put up ondrasek on the hour-mark.
When Darida shot through a crowded box was too hot for 21, the deficit was reduced by the side of jaroslav Silhavy. And Kral hit a second to the left corner of the net and strode forwards until Northern Ireland may draw breath.
But after conceding two goals in stoppage time in the Netherlands, Northern Ireland held their nerve to triumph where England failed.
Former Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley told SSN…
It was all about the outcome tonight. They demonstrated grit, determination and a lot of heart.
It is the first away friendly that we have won in 13 games so its a big outcome, especially after another night.
The four replacements changed the match and made a difference. They penned us back in and we defended to the majority of the second-half. It turned out to be a functionality and one Michael will be quite pleased with.
Northern Ireland now sponsor Netherlands on November 16 at Euro Qualifying group Cbefore a Visit to Germany on November 19, using both matches kicking off at 7.45pm and then live on Sky Sports.
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