How cruel the
beautiful game can be and especially with a group that came so poised and show
an all-around fighting spirit since the get go, and fell short in its
intentions after facing a resilient Swiss team.
With controversial plays
and calls that have eclipsed the performances for both Ireland squads, as you
recall the Republic of Ireland against France, that handball of Thierry Henry
not seen by the ref and now for the North that nonexistent handball.
These calls
costed the Emerald Isle squads their World Cup appearances.
After an infamy lived
in Windsor, the Norn Iron came ready to display their combating side the same
one showed in the past Euro and in the qualifiers, as this group does not give
up on its aims.
Still that lone goal
and doubtful call were the culprits at the end for Michael O’ Neill side to
succumb to a ready and not only defensive but also offensive minded La Nati,
that looked for the second score at every cost and the Blue and Green Army stood
up.
As one, heroic Michael
Mc Govern, defending overzealous his posts with such gallantry and stopping cold
the intention their hosts overcome all afternoon long, pumping his side seeking
the equalizer that at least could push this match to extra time.
The Swiss were a bit dominant
once again and showed a lot of desperation to score what could been the final
nail in the coffin for the North Ireland squad, still the visitors were not out
of this and continue their struggles with a controlling Schweizer Nati.
However, the Norn Iron
backfield contained the likes of Xerdan Shaiqiri and especially two clear opportunities’
from Haris Seferovic and one from Dzemaili that took the visitors Boss breath momentarily
after the close plays.
When the match came into
halftime the Swiss for sure could wrap this up, with a clear advantage of goal
with eight shoots wide and two on targets versus the visitors with just four
off target and two on the money.
By denying the Blue
and Green Army more offensive opportunities’ the Swiss were cruising to a possible
win but still were 45 more minutes of game left and here the visiting O’ Neill
side could make some havoc if allowed.
The second half under
way, minute 53 the Boys from the North had a clear opportunity with 53 minutes
in the clock a brilliantly done play started by George Savile passed to Kyle
Ward and pushing it into Conor Washington that with a header miss the chance of
even it up.
After this, the Northern
Ireland side became much better and showing more control of the match with
arrivals and pressure over La Nati backfield, these persisted and denying, the visitors
to develop the game these are comfortable.
At the end the Swiss
National were a handful for the North Ireland side but the efforts displayed by
the Boys from the North were immense as well the courage exhibited in all of
the tournaments the Norn Iron participated.
As this group has shown
a one of a kind improvements in this national squad looking forward for more memorable
afternoons and not being left in the edge will be with the return of Michael O’
Neill in the helm to develop a new generation of players.
Despite an ageing side
in Aaron Hughes 38, Gareth McAuley 38, Chris Brunt 33 and Jamie Ward 31, Alan Mannus
35, Roy Carroll 40 and Captain Steven Davis 33, will be a tough task to fill
the hole these leave but the future of football in the North looks very much
alive and promising.
So close but no
ticket to the grand fete but these bunch never quit on their quest of making
a strong comeback despite their foes superiority, that was not a deterrent for
this squad to put on a brave fight, unfortunately fell short of its dream.
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Irish Football Association 2017
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