Northern Ireland came up short in their bid to qualify for Euro 2020 as Michal Duris’ strike in extra time booked Slovakia’s place at next summer’s tournament.
The hosts started brightly but were undone when Jonny Evans failed to control George Saville’s header downwards, allowing Juraj Kucka to put the visitors ahead early on. However, Northern Ireland drew level when Milan Skriniar turned into his own net in the 87th minute.
Michal Duris grabbed the winner in extra time, profiting from a lucky deflection to fire past Bailey Peacock-Farrell and in.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK) – 6/10 – Was nearly caught out when claiming a cross from a corner but was able to recover. Should have done better with Slovakia’s second.
Stuart Dallas (RB) – 8/10 – Got forward very well during the first half and soldiered on after injuring his arm in a clash with Tomas Hubocan.
Craig Cathcart (CB) – 6/10 – Played some good incisive passes forward in the second half and helped break the lines. Grew into the game at the side of Evans and helped keep Ondrej Duda at bay.
Jonny Evans (CB) – 6/10 – His failure to collect Saville’s header let Kucka through on goal. Looked solid afterwards before a deflection off him helped Slovakia take the lead.
Jamal Lewis (LB) – 6/10 – Had a steady game and kept hold of the ball well. Got down the left wing more and more as the game progressed.
Paddy McNair (CM) – 8/10 – Looked lively in the second half and ran himself into the ground. Was the creative spark for Ireland before going off injured.
Steven Davis (CM) – 7/10 – Some great balls over the top in the first half and was always keen to play forward whenever he was in possession.
George Saville (CM) – 6/10 – His poor header put Evans under pressure and his only shot of the game went wide.
Niall McGinn (RW) – 8/10 – Nearly scored from a cross in the first half and put plenty of quality balls into the box.
Conor Washington (ST) – 6/10 – Looked lively in the first half and put the centre backs under pressure with his constant running. Struck a volley straight at the keeper.
Josh Magennis (LW) – 6/10 – Put himself about but struggled to make any progress on the left and was reduced to feeding off scraps.
Gavin Whyte – 5/10
Jordan Thompson – 5/10
Kyle Lafferty – 7/10
Liam Boyce – 4/10
Tom Flanagan – N/A
Shane Ferguson – N/A