Northern Ireland 2-0 Czech Republic
Northern Ireland beat the Czech Republic 2-0 in Belfast to secure 2nd in Group C of World Cup Qualifying.
Last updated 5th Sep 2017
First half goals from Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt made sure of the runners-up spot in their World Cup Qualifying Group C.
And with just two games left Michael O'Neill's side are currently in pole position for a play-off place for next year's finals in Russia.
Throughout the night the Czechs were comfortable with the ball, and Northern Ireland appeared equally happy to let them pass it around midfield, failing to find an opening behind a wall of green shirts.
Boril had a half-chance with a header from a narrow angle, but that was as much as the visitors could muster in the first half. Their failure to turn possession into goals was quickly punished.
Northern Ireland broke at pace and won a corner in the 28th minute. Although Brunt's cross was cleared, it only got as far as Olly Norwood, who was lurking a few yards outside the box.
The midfielder headed it back towards goal just as the Czech defence stepped forward, leaving Jonny Evans totally unmarked in the 6 yard box. He turned and flicked a header over the keeper to score only his 2nd international goal.
4 minutes before the break, Michael O'Neill's men took full control, scoring after another searing counter attack.
This time it was Corry Evans who surged forward from one box to another, and just as he skipped past his man, he was brought down 25 yards from goal in a central position. It meant Chris Brunt could pick his spot, and he calmly placed a free kick into the bottom left corner.
Early into the 2nd half, Michael O'Neill changed to a back 5, withdrawing Conor Washington and throwing on Lee Hodson, leaving Josh Magennis up front to do the chasing.
The Czechs continued to dominate possession while also failing to create anything of danger, and Suchy's tame effort inside the box in the 68th minute was hit right at Michael McGovern, a mild disruption to what had otherwise been a quiet night.
Before tonight, Northern had only conceded 2 goals in qualifying, and the Czech Republic never really looked like spoiling that record as the game petered out.