Czech Rep vs N Ireland
International Match
6:00pm Monday 14th October
Generali Arena
As Northern Ireland withstood a second-half fightback to record an impressive win in Prague paddy McNair scored twice.
Michael ONeills side were great value for their 3-0 half-time lead as McNairs clinical opener (9) was added to by Jonny Evans later Czech Republic failed to clear a set-piece (23).
McNair hurried onto Steven Davis pass to sweep at a third for the traffic (40), however after crumbling from the Netherlands, Northern Ireland were grateful for its closing whistle after being pegged back at the second half.
The hosts enhanced dramatically following the fracture as quickfire goals from Vladimir Darida (67) and Alex Kral (68) threatened to spoil Northern Irelands night, but there wouldnt be any repeat of Rotterdam.
ONeill had failed to register a win in any of his past 12 away friendlies as Northern Ireland boss, but after Ronald Koeman branded his sides strategy asdreadful to observe, this had been lucky number 13 and the perfect riposte.
Regardless of the euphoria of ending Englands 43-game unbeaten run in World Cup and Euro qualifiers on Friday, there were lots of empty chairs around the Generali Arena – and this proved that a case of following the Lord Mayors show for the Czechs, who made 10 changes.
The visitors survived an early scare when a poor clearance from Evans allowed Josef Husbauer to cross to head towards goal, but Michael McGovern – on his return to the negative – kept out his campaign from six metres.
Nevertheless, it had been ONeills guys, experimenting with a formation – as McNair struck in the ninth minute, that broke the deadlock, latching on to the low cross of Liam Boyce and beating on his guy to fire beneath goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka.
And it was 2-0 at the 23rd minute when a corner caused chaos in the Czech Republic box. Tom Flanagans effort was blocked but the ball fell to fire into the roof of the net.
Seconds after, Gavin Whyte has been denied from close range with the hosts at sea. The hosts then squandered their very best chance of the first half as Kral beat McLaughlin about the left and pulled the ball back however he couldnt locate the target.
And things got worse to the Czechs in the 40th minute as the ball slid McNair powered towards target and through from within his own half rounding thekeeper.
Zdenek Ondrasek, the scourge of England, came on in the break and that he revitalised the attack, however, Craig Cathcart produced a fine block to deny him a impact.
Ondrasek was put up by Jan Kopic for another opportunity upon the hour-mark, but the replacement fired extensive as the hosts continued to show increased urgency, along with Northern Ireland were undone twice in the space of two minutes.
The deficit was reduced by the unwanted of jaroslav Silhavy once Daridas climbing shot through a crowded box has been too hot for McGovern. And Kral strode forward and hit on a second to the bottom left corner of the internet until Northern Ireland can draw attention.
But after dramatically conceding two goals in stoppage time at the Netherlands, where England failed Northern Ireland held their nerve in the four added minutes to triumph.
Former Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley told SSN…
It was about the outcome tonight. They showed grit, determination and plenty of heart.
It is the very first away friendly which we have won in 13 games so its a huge outcome, especially after the other night.
The four substitutes made a gigantic difference to the group and changed the match. They awakened us back and we defended for the majority of the second-half. It was a operation that is dogged and you Michael will be quite pleased with.
Northern Ireland currently host Netherlands on November 16 in Euro Qualifying group Cbefore a trip to Germany on November 19, using both games kicking off at 7.45pm and also live on Sky Sports.
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