Nations League: Another defeat for Northern Ireland, but how did they rate?
O’Neill’s side hit the post three times as their run of away games without a goal extended to six, but Bosnia had no such issues as Dzeko punished mistakes in either half in a 2-0 Nations League win.
Northern Ireland’s Nations League fate is now of their hands after a third successive defeat.
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Hide AdHere, we take at look at how O’Neill’s men fared on Monday evening.
Northern Ireland player ratings
Bailey Peacock-Farrell - There was little the Leeds goalkeeper could do about either goal, and he made a number of saves in the game. 7.
Jamal Lewis - He offered an outlet on the left but his slip gifted Bosnia the opener and Northern Ireland never recovered. 5.
Jonny Evans - Battled well against Edin Dzeko but could only contain the Roma man for so long. 7.
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Hide AdCraig Cathcart - His usual composure was lacking with a number of wayward clearances putting Northern Ireland under pressure. 5.
Paddy McNair - Made a few bursts down the right and stood his ground in defence before being sacrificed as Northern Ireland chased the game. 6.
George Saville - On another night he might have had a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes but though his shooting boots were missing, he was a busy presence in midfield. 7.
Oliver Norwood - It was a subdued display from Norwood, who will now miss the Austria game next month after a first-half booking for a foul Elvis Saric. 5.
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Hide AdSteven Davis - Set up the two early chances for Saville and worked well in tandem with Saville once again. 7.
Corry Evans - His best moment of the match came before kick-off as he was handed the captain’s arm band for his 50th cap, but he struggled to make an impact on the pitch. 6.
Stuart Dallas - It was Dallas’ cross which should have led to a goal when Gavin Whyte instead missed a sitter. 6.
Liam Boyce - Back from a knee injury, Boyce offered plenty of running and endeavour, but never had a clear chance at goal. 6
SUBSTITUTES
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Hide AdGavin Whyte (for Norwood, 57) - How on earth did his miss? Whyte offered plenty of energy and increased Northern Ireland’s threat, but he squandered the best chance. 6.
Kyle Vassell (for McNair, 70) - Tried to use his physical presence to pressure Bosnia, but with little success. 6.
Josh Magennis (for Boyce, 79) - Like Vassell, sought to ruffle Bosnia’s defence but a chance never came his way. 6.