Estonia 1-2 Northern Ireland: Michael O’Neill’s men continue perfect start to Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with fightback win

Estonia 1-2 Northern Ireland: Michael O’Neill’s men continue perfect start to Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with fightback win
Northern Ireland just about continued their perfect start to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win in Estonia thanks to substitute Josh Magennis’ quickfire double.Michael O’Neill’s men found themselves behind when Konstantin Vassiljev curled a free-kick past the wall and beyond Bailey Peacock-Farrell on 25 minutes, but Magennis turned the game around in Tallinn.Magennis made an immediate impact and helped his side win the gameGetty Images - Getty1
Magennis made an immediate impact and helped his side win the game
Both goals came via the slightest of touches – the first on Conor Washington’s shot and the second enough to divert Jordan Jones’ cross into the net – but both could have a major impact for Northern Ireland.Defeat here would have left their Euro 2020 hopes hanging by a thread with home and away games against Holland and Germany to come later in the year, but victory keeps them top of the group with a maximum haul of nine points ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Belarus.It was a dramatic end to a game which threatened to end in frustration, with O’Neill’s side showing for too long why they came into the night without an away goal in seven outings.Though they bossed possession early on, chances were few and far between and once Vassiljev – their tormentor in a World Cup qualifier eight years ago – had punished a mistake by Stuart Dallas with a low, bending free-kick around the wall, Northern Ireland looked panicked as they gave the ball away.Alan Brazil slams England for playing out from the back against Holland Estonia had the ball in the net again six minutes before the break but it was ruled out by referee Fabio Verissimo, perhaps generously as goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell appeared to run into Rauno Sappinen before Madis Vihmann headed in.At the other end Gavin Whyte, making his first competitive start, sent in a fine cross but Liam Boyce could not get the direction on his glancing header and Estonia ended the half on top, with Vassiljev scuffing a shot wide when left virtually unmarked inside the area.O’Neill sent on Washington for Boyce at half-time to try to find a spark, but Northern Ireland lacked composure and were almost punished as Vassiljev sent a dipping shot on to the crossbar.Northern Ireland soon began to stir and Dallas cut in from the left and picked out George Saville, who poked the ball goalwards to bring a first save of the night from Sergei Lepmets.

LIVE ON talkSPORT

talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here's what's coming up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2...
  • Switzerland vs England (Sunday, 2pm) talkSPORT
  • England vs Scotland (Sunday, 5pm) talkSPORT
  • Portugal vs Netherlands (Sunday, 7:45pm) talkSPORT
Peacock-Farrell had to save low down from Vlasiy Sinyavskiy as Estonia looked to hit their opponents on the counter-attack, but the flow of traffic was now firmly in Northern Ireland’s favour.Lepmets fluffed a clearance to gift the ball to Jones, but scrambled back into position before the Rangers winger floated a cross over.But Northern Ireland got their equaliser in the 77th minute when Washington cut in from the left side and was able to run straight to the centre of the goal before clipping a shot over Lepmets, which diverted off Magennis to find the net.And three minutes later Northern Ireland were ahead as Magennis got a deft touch to Jones’ cross for the ball to trickle over the line. The celebrations were almost cut short by Artjom Dmitrijev, but Peacock-Farrell was at full stretch to push his powerful drive away.There was another late scare as Dimitrijev headed just wide while Jones was close to adding a third at the other end, but Northern Ireland had already done enough.

How Benfica could have looked if they had not sold their stars

Barcelona set price for Chelsea and Manchester United to sign Philippe Coutinho Metro.co.uk 13:29 2-Jun-19 Spanish media identify Chelsea's number one choice to replace Eden Hazard Chelsea-News.co (Weblog) 12:59 2-Jun-19
NewsNow: FC Barcelona News | Barca News | Breaking News 24/7

Tottenham’s stadium should be opened in the first months of this year

ON THE RADAR Ivan Rakitic: Hailed by Jose Mourinho, Barcelona star's El Clasico winner is a reminder of what he could do if unleashed elsewhere
~ Ivan Rakitic: Hailed by Jose Mourinho, Barcelona star's El

Ozil captained the club to victory against Burnley

The goalkeeper watched helplessly as it sailed over his head and Seuntjens was already on his way to the corner flag to celebrate the stunning goal. The back spin, though, took it off the goal line and the ball was cleared leaving the midfielder with his hands on his hips wondering how it did not go in.
~ Dutch footballer left in disbelief as wonderful chip spins

How the Brazilian compares to his rivals in the division

bdnsports | Giving you the latest reports from the World of sports

Luiz has been a pass-master for Chelsea this season

Manchester United target Mauricio Pochettino refuses to commit to Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino will complete a fifth season with Tottenham but is being lined up to become Man Utd manager in the
Jose Mourinho axed by Manchester United - and he'll get £22

Sergio Aguero scores against Chelsea

Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp calls for perspective in title race as Reds boss faces anxious wait over Roberto Firmino's fitness Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces an anxious wait - not over the outcome of Manchester City's result at Burnley on Sunday - but the fitness of his
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp warns Manchester City his side

Richarlison has been brilliant since moving to Everton

Wayne Rooney says he would like to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer given the permanent manager's job at Manchester United if he earns it, but has backed an alternative choice if the club look away from Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney: 'I can still play in the Premier League'

Van Dijk was outstanding once again as Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0

Mar 16, 2019 · Sergio Aguero scored in the 88th minute to complete a three-goal comeback as Manchester City tops Swansea City 3-2 in FA Cup action on Saturday. group stage play has come to an end and the

Romelu Lukaku will be key for Man United against PSG

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a stadium that serves as the home for Tottenham Hotspur in north London, replacing the club's previous stadium, White Hart Lane.It has a capacity of 62,062, making it one of the largest stadiums in the Premier League and the largest club stadium in London.
Tottenham officially unveil new £1bn stadium with grand

The former Manchester United midfielder is an Oldham fan (pictured at an FA Cup game supporting the Latics)

Transfer ban 'very, very bad news' for Hazard. Chelsea transfer ban being upheld is apparently "very, very bad news" for Eden Hazard's hopes of joining Real Madrid, according to AS. They state that they've been in contact with a source close to the winger, and the decision to uphold the ban has thrown a spanner in the works.

Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi both scored twice as Liverpool stunned Barcelona

Manchester United are preparing to launch a last-ditch attempt to bring Antoine Griezmann to Old Trafford. The France international's move to Barcelona appears a done deal, however the Premier
Manchester United to make last-gasp £95m Antoine Griezmann

The Olympic Stadium in Baku will host the Europa League Final

Where every Premier League club's fanbase ranks in the loyalty stakes When faced with the tough question of team or partner, which set of supporters were the most faithful to their side? By
~ Where every Premier League club's fanbase ranks in the

Post a Comment

0 Comments