Northern Ireland v Czech Republic, Wednesday, Sky Sports 2, 7:45pm
September 9, 2008 by Ben Filed under: Football
Northern Ireland face a tough game in their first home qualifier as they take on a Czech team looking to bounce back form a disappointing Euro 2008 campaign. Nigel Worthington’s men will need to improve defensively at Windsor Park, especially around set pieces that cost them so dear in Slovakia.
Poor marking from a routine free kick allowed Liverpool’s Martin Skirtel to open the scoring in the 46th minute, but Northern Ireland responded positively after that. They wasted several chances to draw level before Marek Hamsik put the game out of reach with twenty minutes left. A Durica own goal was nothing more than a consolation, and Worthington will know a much improved performance is needed on Wednesday to avoid a similar result against the experienced Czechs.
BGbet make the Czech’s 4/6 favourites, while VCbet are 9/2 about Northern Ireland.
If Martin Paterson scores at anytime during Northern Ireland v Czech Republic, BGbet will refund all losing first goalscorer stakes on the match.
