Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland players were in action for Northern Ireland against the Czech Republic on Sunday evening.
Northern Ireland’s Jamie Ward in action
Northern Ireland kicked off their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign (UEFA) with a goalless draw with the Czech Republic away from home at Generali Arena in Prague on Sunday evening.
Michael O’Neill’s side were always going to find it tough to win their opening Group C qualifier, but perhaps they should have done better.
Over the course of the 90 minutes in Prague on Sunday evening, Northern Ireland just had 35% of the possession, took seven shots of which three were on target, and earned four corners, according to BBC Sport.
The Czech Republic had 65% of the possession, took 17 shots of which only one was on target, and earned six corners, according to BBC Sport.
The home team would have taken the lead just past the hour mark had defender Filip Novac not shot wide from six yards.
Northern Ireland international forward Kyle Lafferty was isolated upfront and did not get enough service during his time on the pitch.
West Bromwich Albion defenders Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley played well for the visiting team, but Sunderland’s Paddy McNair could have done better.
Leeds United winger Stuart Dallas also featured for Northern Ireland against the Czech Republic, starting the match and playing for the entire 90 minutes.
Below are some of the best pictures from the game:
Northern Ireland’s Stuart Dallas in action with Czech Republic’s Ladislav Krejci
Northern Ireland’s Josh Magennis in action with Czech Republic’s Pavel Kaderabek
Northern Ireland’s Oliver Norwood in action with Czech Republic’s Vaclav Kadlec
Northern Ireland’s Gareth McAuley in action with Czech Republic’s Vaclav Kadlec
Northern Ireland’s Gareth McAuley in action with Czech Republic’s Vaclav Kadlec
Northern Ireland’s Jamie Ward in action with Czech Republic’s Filip Novak
Northern Ireland’s Paddy McNair in action with Czech Republic’s Vaclav Kadlec
Northern Ireland’s Kyle Lafferty shoots
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill
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