Czech Rep vs N Ireland
International Match
6:00pm Monday 14th October
Generali Arena
As Northern Ireland withstood a second-half fightback from Czech Republic to capture an amazing win in Prague, paddy McNair scored.
Michael ONeills side were great value due to their 3-0 half-time contribute as McNairs clinical opener (9) was added to by Jonny Evans after Czech Republic failed to clean a set-piece (23).
McNair raced onto Steven Davis pass to sweep at a third for the traffic (40), but afterwards crumbling against the Netherlands, Northern Ireland were thankful for its closing whistle after being pegged back at the second half.
The hosts improved dramatically after the break as quickfire goals from Vladimir Darida (67) and Alex Kral (68) threatened to spoil Northern Irelands nighttime, but there would be no replica of Rotterdam.
ONeill had failed to register a win in some of his preceding 12 off friendlies as Northern Ireland boss, but after Ronald Koeman labelled his sides strategy asterrible to watch, this was lucky number 13 and also 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 – which proved that a case of after the Lord Mayors show to the Czechs, who made 10 changes.
The visitors survived an early scare when a clearance from Evans allowed Josef Husbauer to cross for Radim Reznik to go towards goal, however Michael McGovern – on his return to the negative – retained out his effort .
But it was ONeills men, experimenting with a 3-5-2 formation – who broke the deadlock since McNair struck in the ninth minute, latching on to the low cross of Liam Boyce and beating his own man.
And it was 2-0 at the 23rd minute after a corner caused chaos. Tom Flanagans effort was blocked but the ball fell to fire in the roof of the net.
Seconds after, Gavin Whyte has been refused from close range at sea with the hosts. The hosts wasted their best chance of the half since Kral beat on McLaughlin about the left and pulled the ball back however he couldnt find the target.
And things got worse at the 40th minute for the Czechs as Davis slid the ball McNair powered towards goal and from inside his own half , coolly rounding thekeeper.
Zdenek Ondrasek, the scourge of England, arrived in the break and he revitalised the Czech assault, however, Craig Cathcart produced a fine block to deny him minutes after Ladislav Krejci watched his shot kept out by McGovern, an impact.
Jan Kopic for yet another opportunity put up ondrasek about the hour-mark, but the substitute fired broad as the hosts continued to show increased urgency, along with Northern Ireland were reversed twice at the space of two minutes.
Jaroslav Silhavys unwanted reduced the deficit when Daridas growing shot through a crowded box was too hot for McGovern. And Kral strode ahead and struck a second to the corner of the net, until Northern Ireland may draw attention.
But after conceding two goals where England failed Northern Ireland held their nerve at the four minutes to succeed.
Former Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley told SSN…
It was about the effect tonight, actually. They showed determination, grit and a great deal of heart.
Its the first away friendly which weve won in 13 games so its a significant result, especially after another night.
The four substitutes made a gigantic difference to the Czech team and altered the match. They penned us back in and we defended to most of the second-half. It was a operation that is dogged and you Michael will be very pleased with.
Northern Ireland now host Netherlands on November 16 from Euro Qualifying group Cbefore a Visit to Germany on November 19, with both games kicking off at 7.45pm and live on Sky Sports.
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