Soccer

Northern Ireland relegated after Romania awarded 3-0 win over Norway

Bucharest game was cancelled after Norway could not travel due to coronavirus outbreak

Austria’s Adrian Grbic scores a goal during the Uefa Nations League League Group B1 match against Northern Ireland in Vienna. Photograph: Christian Bruna/EPA

Wed Nov 18 2020 - 17:04

Northern Ireland will be relegated in the Nations League after Romania were awarded a 3-0 victory over Norway from Sunday’s cancelled match between the two nations, European governing body Uefa has announced.

The decision, issued a little over three hours before Northern Ireland host Romania at Windsor Park in their final Group B1 game, leaves Northern Ireland six points adrift at the foot of the standings and destined for League C.

Norway were unable to travel for the match in Bucharest after being denied government permission due to a positive test for coronavirus within their camp.

Ian Baraclough’s side have taken only one point from their five games in the group to date – a 1-1 draw with Romania in Bucharest in September. On Sunday, they conceded twice in the last 10 minutes to lose 2-1 to Austria in Vienna.

Ian Baraclough