EURO 2012 QUALIFYING Northern Ireland 0 Slovenia 0:NORTHERN IRELAND sent their supporters away believing, at least. A late flurry, which included Chris Brunt going agonisingly close to claiming the winner, proved they still have fight as they strive to close the gap to Slovenia who are second in Group C.
Their latest stab at reaching the finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1986 began in September with an impressive 1-0 victory, which came courtesy of a Corry Evans goal in the reverse fixture.
That was the first time since 1962 they had won on the road in the opening game of qualifying. A credible draw against Italy here followed but disappointment was keenly felt after two points were dropped to the Faroe Islands in October. Nigel Worthington’s men then went down 2-1 in Serbia last Friday.
They began brightly enough against Matjaz Kek’s side, dominating possession and winning enough corners and free-kicks to suggest a goal may arrive at any moment. Yet when Chris Brunt or Sammy Clingan pinged in the dead ball, the delivery was either too high or low, and Northern Ireland walked off at the break in front of a muted crowd.
Slovenia’s response was to pose a far more dangerous threat whenever they managed to advance. Josip Illicic, who operated on the left before limping off on the half hour, unloaded one early shot that Lee Camp fumbled.
From the corner, swung in by Valter Birsa, the ball broke to Robert Koren, the captain and Hull City midfielder, who blazed a volley at Camp. This time the goalkeeper held the ball. More disappointment in the corner department followed from Brunt and Clingan.
When another the corner arrived, Northern Ireland required Gareth McAuley to clear.
Worthington appeared to have instructed his men to launch high balls towards Brunt or Warren Feeney in the faint hope that route one might yield only the fourth goal of their campaign. Yet beyond the four stitches and a new shirt he acquired at half-time, Feeney had little to show for his efforts.
Camp made a fine save from Zlatko Dedic and substitute Josh McQuoid had an unsuccessful penalty appeal but in the circumstances Slovenia will have been the most satisfied having kept the green door shut.
Guardian Service
NORTHERN IRELAND: Camp, Cathcart, McAuley, Craigan, Jonathan Evans, Corry Evans (Boyce 90), Baird, Clingan, McCann (McQuoid 71), Brunt, Feeney (McCourt 83). Subs Not Used: Tuffey, Thompson, Hodson, Gorman. Booked: Baird, Corry Evans, Brunt.
SLOVENIA: Samir Handanovic, Brecko, Suler, Mavric, Jokic, Birsa, Bacinovic (Sukalo 90), Koren, Kirm, Ilicic (Ljubijankic 29), Novakovic (Dedic 84). Subs Not Used: Jasmin Handanovic, Andjelkovic, Ilic, Radosavljevic. Booked: Koren, Bacinovic.
Referee: Bjorn Kuipers(Holland).
