Northern Ireland took a big step towards securing promotion back to the second tier of European football as second-half goals from Daniel Ballard and Dion Charles secured a 2-0 Nations League win over Belarus.
Victory in Belfast keeps Michael O’Neill’s men two points clear of Bulgaria, and a draw away to Luxembourg on Monday would take them out of League C as Group 3 winners.
After last month’s 5-0 win over Bulgaria this was much harder work and O’Neill’s frustration was obvious late in the first half.
Job done in Belfast ✅ #GAWA pic.twitter.com/rAmvo87Fik
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) November 15, 2024
But Ballard headed the hosts in front five minutes into the second half and 10 minutes later referee Luis Godinho was sent to the monitor to spot a handball from Kirill Pechenin, allowing Dion Charles to score his fourth international goal from the penalty spot.
Northern Ireland had not previously won more than three in a row at home since 2016, when they won six, while this was a fourth successive clean sheet at home for the first time since 2021.
The biggest question mark over Northern Ireland’s team selection before the night was who would start in goal with Bailey Peacock-Farrell back from injury, but O’Neill stuck with teenager Pierce Charles on the night his brother Shea captained the side.
When these two sides met last month in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, Northern Ireland dominated the first half but failed to take their chances, and were then frustrated after the break as Belarus sat much deeper.
It was no surprise to see Carlos Alos’ side go with the latter tactic from the start at Windsor Park, challenging Northern Ireland to force their way through a low block, and it did not prove easy.
Dion Charles prodded over after Pechenin gave away possession inside the box and Shea Charles brushed the side-netting with a free-kick. Conor Bradley then burst into the box and sent in a low ball which needed only a flick which Dion Charles could not provide.
There were more nearly moments, not least when Bradley beat three defenders on a run through the box but failed to get a shot away, and it was goalless at the break.
Northern Ireland were immediately on the attack in the second half as the lively Brodie Spencer crossed from the left, but Dion Charles could not keep his header down.
Almost as quickly there was a chance for Aleksandr Martynovich, who fired over after a free-kick, but this Belarus side have now failed to score in seven of their last nine, and it was not hard to see why.
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute, perhaps unsurprisingly from a set-piece. Shea Charles’ corner somehow got beyond the Belarus defenders at the near post, and Ballard – just back from injury – had an easy task to nod home, scoring his third goal in five internationals.
Ten minutes later, Pechenin moved his arms as he blocked Shea Charles’s free-kick in the box, and after checking the screens Godinho awarded Northern Ireland their first penalty in 33 games, which Dion Charles duly tucked away.
Isaac Price, whose hat-trick lit up Windsor Park against Bulgaria, almost scored a superb third in the 79th minute, latching on to a flick from substitute Josh Magennis and sending a 20-yard shot just wide of the post.
Pierce Charles had a couple of difficult moments dealing with high balls in the closing stages but the 19-year-old emerged with his third clean sheet in as many international appearances, while Brighton under-21s defender Ruairi McConville came on to make his debut five minutes from time.
The teenager could be needed again on Monday as Ciaron Brown picked up a disputed late yellow card for time-wasting which will rule him out of the trip to Luxembourg.
[(Fluminense (RJ)) Strength]: 1. Everaldo Stum scored the only goal in the last game, helping his side take all 3 points and showing his outstanding performances.2. Fluminense (RJ) scored in each of the previous 4 games, revealing a stable offensive end.3. Fluminense (RJ) won 1-0 over Gremio FBPA in the last game, securing a winning streak in domestic matches lately.4. Fluminense (RJ) secured a 2-...
[(Atlanta United FC) Strength]: 1. Atlanta United FC lost two Leagues Cup games and failed to advance. But the team still desire to win in this home game.2. Emmanuel Latte scored a goal in the last game, showing his outstanding form.[(Atlanta United FC) Neutral]: 1. Atlanta United FC scored 9 goals and conceded 13 in the last 5 games, boasting excellent attack but poor defense.2. Both sides have n...
[(Seattle Sounders FC) Strength]: 1. Seattle Sounders FC currently top the group, winning both of their two group matches in the Leagues Cup this season. They have scored nine goals and conceded one goal in two group matches. Seattle Sounders FC are currently in top form and highly motivated.2. Seattle Sounders FC forward Pedro De la Vega performed outstandingly in this Leagues Cup with consistent...
[(Palmeiras) Strength]: 1. Palmeiras are currently trailing in the score, so they will undoubtedly go all out for a comeback in this home match, showing strong determination to win.2. Palmeiras' Jose Lopez scored in the last game, showing commendable performances.3. Palmeiras won the last 2 home games and remained unbeaten in the last four, performing outstandingly at home.4. The AH line is -1.00 ...
[(Orlando City) Strength]: 1. Orlando City are 6th with 4 points in the table. They have to go all out for a win in this game to secure a qualification spot, indicating strong motivation.2. Martin Ojeda scored a goal and made an assist in the last game, helping the team win.3. Orlando City won 3-1 over Atlas in the last game. They received 3 wins and 1 draw in the last 4 games, revealing outstandi...
[(NK Rijeka) Strength]: 1. As the traditional giants in the First Football League (Croatia),\nNK Rijeka were unfortunately eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers by PFC Ludogorets Razgrad. They must now seize the opportunity to secure a spot in the Europa League. Playing at home, they will go all out for a decisive victory to lay a solid foundation for advancing in the second leg.2. NK Ri...
[(Real Salt Lake) Strength]: 1. Real Salt Lake have been in unstable recent form. Thus, they are motivated to win this home game.2. Braian Ojeda scored a brace in the last game, helping the team once take the lead.3. Real Salt Lake scored 7 goals in the last 5 games, revealing commendable offense.[(Real Salt Lake) Weakness]: 1. Real Salt Lake drew 2-2 with Atletico San Luis in the last game at hom...
[(Lech Poznan) Strength]: 1. Lech Poznan striker Mikael Ishak scored a goal in the last league match, sealing the victory for the team. He has scored in five consecutive games recently and is the most reliable scorer in the team.2. Lech Poznan won over Gornik Zabrze 2-1 in the last league home match. They have won 4 official games in a row, with hot form.3. Lech Poznan have a powerful offensive fo...
[(OGC Nice) Strength]: 1. OGC Nice will go all out to win and take the initiative of advancing in this home game, indicating undoubted motivation.2. Evann Guessand scored 13 goals and made 9 assists across all competitions last season, both leading the team.3. OGC Nice received 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 6 warm-up games, showing good shape.4. OGC Nice were unbeaten with 6 wins and 1 draw in the...
[(Feyenoord Rotterdam) Strength]: 1. As the traditional giants in the Eredivisie, Feyenoord Rotterdam finished 3rd in the league last season, revealing overall performances below expectations. They aim to qualify for the Champions League this season, indicating high motivation to win this home game.2. Feyenoord Rotterdam have an outstanding home record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in the Ered...
- 1 Bayern Munich confirm Palhinha "transfer negotiations" as Spurs move closer
- 2 TIPS - Real Salt Lake VS Atletico San Luis
- 3 Arsenal legend backs Premier League rivals to become next invincibles and take prestigious title from Gunners
- 4 Daily Laugh - Raya nair
- 5 Man Utd, Newcastle turn to Stuttgart striker Woltemade
- 6 TIPS - FC Kairat Almaty VS SK Slovan Bratislava
- 7 Transfer rumors, news: Chelsea face dilemma over Simons
- 8 Real Madrid Willing to Sell Rodrygo — But Only If Two Key Conditions Are Met
- 9 TIPS - KF Shkendija VS Qarabag
- 10 Man United Go All In for Benjamin Sesko! Premier League Giants Notify RB Leipzig of Imminent Bid