Norway 1 Northern Ireland 0: Michael McGovern and Chris Brunt combine for comedy double-act own-goal after place in World Cup 2018 play-off was already confirmed
NORTHERN IRELAND celebrated their place in the 2018 World Cup play-offs with a defeat away at Norway thanks to a comedy own-goal.
Scotland’s 2-2 draw earlier in the evening cost them a place in Russia but it meant Michael O’Neill’s men were in the hat for the next step toward the summer tournament.
A win would have improved their Fifa ranking and seeding potential but that dream was wrecked on 71 minutes when goalkeeper Michael McGovern and Chris Brunt teamed up to hand the home side a goal.
The visitors lost two tackles in the midfield before Stefan Johansen was freed down the left.
A lofted cross seemed to be heading for safety but McGovern misjudged the flight of ball before falling backwards and flapping at it.
As the ball dropped down toward the net, West Brom’s Brunt did his best to volley the ball away but it was smashed into the roof of the net.
Ireland battled back and were almost level when Stuart Dallas fired a skidding volley at the Norway goal that was saved.
Seconds later there was a goal-mouth scramble that looked certain to create the equaliser, Josh Magennis snatched at the best chance but Norway’s defence seemed impenetrable.
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Vital players Jonny Evans, Steven Davis, Corry Evans, Oliver Norwood, Stuart Dallas and Josh Magennis were all one caution away from missing the first leg of the play-off.
But the dirty half-dozen kept it clean and will be available for the final hurdle.
Shane Ferguson hit a dreamy cross-shot in the final seconds that should have been converted by a team-mate steaming in at the back post.
McGovern almost made up for his part in the game-deciding goal with an injury time save but it remains to be seen how his howler will affect his side's Fifa ranking and their seeding for the play-offs.
And it could have been worse if Norway's last-second effort had counted and not been ruled out for an offside.
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