THE Road to Brazil appeared long and arduous for Northern Ireland before Tuesday’s clash with Luxembourg. Now Rio seems a million miles away.
Michael O’Neill’s side were expected to take one small step along the treacherous journey with victory on Tuesday.The manager demanded it.
The fans craved it.
The bookmakers predicted it.
Instead, Daniel Da Mota’s cruel deflected equaliser in the 86th minute had the Green and White Army on its knees.
The late strike has punctured Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying hopes - it leaves them wedged in first gear.
Where do Northern Ireland go from here in Group F?
One point from two games has the campaign verging on flat-lining.
O’Neill’s qualification hopes are already in intensive care.
Their next assignment is a trip to meet Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal next month.
Realistically, there will be modest expectations in Porto.
O’Neill had demanded a high-tempo performance full of guile and endeavour last night.
And while he got some gusto and verve, fans endured a fractious and disjointed display that never looked comfortable.
And as long as the game remained at 1-0 Luxembourg always remained within touching distance.
The simple fact was that victory in Belfast was paramount.
Three points against the Group F underdogs were crucial.
The bookmakers’ odds - installing Northern Ireland as 4/9 favourites - suggested the home side should claim maximum points.
Supporters generally don’t subscribe to lofty predictions about their team, however.
It comes with the territory.
Before last night Northern Ireland had gone eight games without a win - their last success coming against the Faroe Islands in August last year.
They had only recorded one win in their last 17, two in the previous 27.
New manager O’Neill had yet to enjoy a victory in four international games.
And instead of rewriting those stats they have only been prolonged for another month - at least.
Dean Shiels helped inject some feelgood factor into Northern Ireland’s campaign with his sublime finish in the 14th minute.
Jonny Evans and Kyle Lafferty both had the ball in the back of the net but not before referee Vlado Glodjovic had sounded his whistle for infringements.
Chris Brunt also cannoned a shot off the post before Luxembourg’s late riposte.
Fans will have their own feelings on last night’s result.
Whether Northern Ireland did enough to win the World Cup qualifier is open to debate.
They had chances but they couldn’t convert.
Did Luxembourg warrant a point from their display in South Belfast?
Again, opinions will be divided.
But such questions appear trite this morning as the port-mortem continues.
But such questions appear trite this morning as the port-mortem continues.
The simple fact is Northern Ireland and Michael O’Neill face a task of Everest proportions in Group F. Brazil has suddenly become a mere speck on the horizon.
Comments