A disappointing draw leaves North Ireland hoping for its pass in the playoffs

There’s still hope after a draw at home against the lucky Netherlands side that this result assures them a spot in Europe’s grand fete of football, contrary to their hosts now looking for a new possibility in the playoffs. 

To assure a spot after a prominent campaign that in the end had to come to this and now wait.

For departing Norn Iron manager Michael O’ Neill today’s the result was not what he envisioned but the man saw how his side did put on a fight from the start but were meet by ready Clockwork Orange.

Still, the man goes to his new endeavor with a smile in his face, despite his side, lacking a decisive finish as they gave it all and now, wait for the next stages and rival to determine their future. 

 In the early minutes the Boys in Green and White Army almost did the unthinkable with an the early goal with just three minutes in the clock and an alert Dutch keeper Jasper Cillessen. 

As the visiting goalkeeper got his break when Corry Evans the sudden attack almost deliver the key play of the game but in the end a touch of luck and a sure readiness by an alerted Dutch defense holding its ground all game long. 

For today’s match the visiting defense not catching his breath but still came up big when needed but don’t discard the Norn Iron efforts too to stop the drive of the Orange side and not seeing their posts defeated by the visitor’s attack. 

However, the opportunity came for the Boys from the North, for Ronnie Koeman side coming strong in every play and near goal, the Norn Iron started its drive and with a filtered ball that Dutch defender Joël Veltman being penalized for a handball in the box. 

With the Dutch players venting their protests to the game official, still the call stood and time for the locals via their captain Stephen Davis got the call and not taking advantage of the opportunity with a ball going over the bar and relief for the visitors. 

The second half became a little more generous for Ronnie Koeman side dominating the entire half and coming so close of their objective but failed in their finish to sentence the match, overall the tie became beneficial for the Oranje.

Now to Frankfurt for North Ireland to play tier last match against an already qualified Germany after beating a minnow Belarus, a win for sure can uplift the Norn Iron to go to the playoffs with momentum.

A successful run in the playoffs for sure will give the Norn Iron a lot of satisfaction after their positive performance in the past tournament in France where they did a wondrous job and another shot at another top contest. 

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