Northern Ireland can once again hope of booking a trip to the grandest stage of football as Norn Iron seal a spot in qualification play-offs after a solid 2-0 win against favourites Czech Republic in the Northern Irish capital of Belfast on Monday.
West Bromwich Albion teammates Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt represented their club well as both managed to get themselves on the scoresheet before half-time, sealing a commendable victory against Czech Republic, who featured the likes of former Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas and Werder Bremen star Theodor Gebre Selassie.
This means Northern Ireland are currently in second place with 19 points after eight games, just four points shy of leaders Germany.
Northern Ireland kicked things off at Windsor Park to the roar of the home fans. Nord Iron embodied their fans’ energy as the team showed their attacking intent early on, with the likes of Josh Magennis and Conor McLaughlin making chances within the first 20 minutes. However, it was the Czechs who would keep most of the possession and control of the game.
Then the breakthrough: After winning a corner, Northern Ireland took their chance beautifully with Jonny Evans scoring a point-blank header on the 28th minute, capitalising on a well-delivered headed pass from Fulham midfielder Oliver Norwood.
From there, the Czechs would try to gain some measure of control, holding the ball and keeping possession, notching attacks of their own. Hertha Berlin midfielder Vladimir Darida and compatriot Tomas Soucek both had attempts on goal, but didn’t manage to find an equaliser.
Just when things started to get gritty for the home side, enter Chris Brunt, who stepped up to the spot for a free kick. The former Baggies captain kicked the ball beautifully past the wall of defenders, towards the goal’s bottom left corner.
In the end, despite intense pressure from the Czechs, which saw them have 66% ball possession throughout the game, the two goals would be enough for Northern Ireland to seal victory.
Nord Iron are set face off against Germany and Norway in October.
Second place is secured! That's one foot in the playoffs! What an evening! Thankyou players, Thankyou #GAWA 👏🏽 #DareToDream pic.twitter.com/hxjrQlE9Jo
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) September 4, 2017