11/02/2009
Supporters Backing An NI Win
A victory and three points toward World Cup qualification are in the sights for Northern Ireland soccer fans arriving in San Marino today for this evening's away World Cup qualifier.
Approximately 1,300 supporters are expected to be supporting Nigel Worthington's side against San Marino, who has never won a competitive game and lies joint last in 201st place in the Fifa world rankings
With Northern Ireland currently fifth in Group Three, fans are seeking their first victory away from home in this campaign, especially as even with a win tonight, the next three games remain particularly important.
Northern Ireland has a double-header next month at Windsor Park, when they face Poland and Slovenia respectively.
However, even the omission of Norwich City midfielder Sammy Clingan, and Doncaster midfielder Dean Shiels - who has also been ruled out due to an ankle injury - has failed to dampen spirits for the Green and White Army of NI supporters at the Stadio Olimpico Stadium on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, long-term injury absentee Damien Johnston is expected to return to the Northern Ireland midfield for the clash in Seravalle tonight.
With San Marino being billed, as the "worst international team" in the Fifa world rankings - expectations are high for an NI win.
However, failure to record a win over Europe's lowest ranked nation will bring to an end Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching South Africa for the World Cup.
(BMcC/JM)
Approximately 1,300 supporters are expected to be supporting Nigel Worthington's side against San Marino, who has never won a competitive game and lies joint last in 201st place in the Fifa world rankings
With Northern Ireland currently fifth in Group Three, fans are seeking their first victory away from home in this campaign, especially as even with a win tonight, the next three games remain particularly important.
Northern Ireland has a double-header next month at Windsor Park, when they face Poland and Slovenia respectively.
However, even the omission of Norwich City midfielder Sammy Clingan, and Doncaster midfielder Dean Shiels - who has also been ruled out due to an ankle injury - has failed to dampen spirits for the Green and White Army of NI supporters at the Stadio Olimpico Stadium on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, long-term injury absentee Damien Johnston is expected to return to the Northern Ireland midfield for the clash in Seravalle tonight.
With San Marino being billed, as the "worst international team" in the Fifa world rankings - expectations are high for an NI win.
However, failure to record a win over Europe's lowest ranked nation will bring to an end Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching South Africa for the World Cup.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 September 2001
A World Cup qualifying win is a must for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland go into tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland knowing a win is essentially if the team are to build on Saturday’s superb 1-1 draw with Denmark in Copenhagen.
A World Cup qualifying win is a must for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland go into tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland knowing a win is essentially if the team are to build on Saturday’s superb 1-1 draw with Denmark in Copenhagen.
10 February 2009
Healy And Paterson To Lead NI Assault
Top Northern Ireland striker David Healy is looking to continue his goalscoring form in a crucial World Cup qualifier this week in the Italian-speaking country of San Marino.
Healy And Paterson To Lead NI Assault
Top Northern Ireland striker David Healy is looking to continue his goalscoring form in a crucial World Cup qualifier this week in the Italian-speaking country of San Marino.
13 November 2017
Northern Ireland's World Cup Dream Ends
Northern Ireland's dream of reaching the World Cup has come to an end. The team were playing against Switzerland on Sunday, 12 November, and the match ended with a 0-0 draw. Northern Ireland were defeated 1-0 on Thursday by Switzerland in Belfast, which means they failed to make it through to the World Cup.
Northern Ireland's World Cup Dream Ends
Northern Ireland's dream of reaching the World Cup has come to an end. The team were playing against Switzerland on Sunday, 12 November, and the match ended with a 0-0 draw. Northern Ireland were defeated 1-0 on Thursday by Switzerland in Belfast, which means they failed to make it through to the World Cup.
17 October 2017
Northern Ireland To Play Switzerland In World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland will play against Switzerland in next month's World Cup play-offs. Micheal O'Neill's side were paired with the Swiss and will play at Windsor Park Stadium in the first leg, and away in the second. Mr O'Neill said: O'Neill said: "Whoever we got we knew it was going to be a difficult game.
Northern Ireland To Play Switzerland In World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland will play against Switzerland in next month's World Cup play-offs. Micheal O'Neill's side were paired with the Swiss and will play at Windsor Park Stadium in the first leg, and away in the second. Mr O'Neill said: O'Neill said: "Whoever we got we knew it was going to be a difficult game.
09 October 2017
Northern Ireland Make World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland have made it through to the World Cup play-offs. The team were defeated by Norway 1-0 on Sunday, 08 October, however Scotland failed to beat Slovenia in their fixture, ensuring NI secured their spot in the tournament. The draw will be made later this month and the games - staged over two legs - will take place in November.
Northern Ireland Make World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland have made it through to the World Cup play-offs. The team were defeated by Norway 1-0 on Sunday, 08 October, however Scotland failed to beat Slovenia in their fixture, ensuring NI secured their spot in the tournament. The draw will be made later this month and the games - staged over two legs - will take place in November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.