MX23RW : Friday, March 29 05:58:52| >> :600:198604:198604:

Ian Baraclough: 'Playoff final defeat is not a wasted opportunity'

The hosts fell short at the final hurdle of a qualifying campaign that started more than 18 months ago.

Ian Baraclough refused to call Northern Ireland's defeat to Slovakia a wasted opportunity as his side's dreams of reaching Euro 2020 crumbled at Windsor Park.

A 2-1 defeat in their play-off final saw Northern Ireland fall short at the final hurdle of a qualifying campaign that began more than 18 months ago.

Michal Duris struck in the 110th minute of the game after an 88th minute own goal from Milan Skriniar cancelled out Juraj Kucka's 17th minute goal to give Northern Ireland hope.

Northern Ireland v Slovakia – UEFA Euro 2020 – Play-offs – Final – Windsor Park
Slovakia's Michal Duris late strike provided the difference for Slovakia in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Both Slovakia goals had an element of fortune to them – Kucka capitalising on a mix-up between George Saville and Jonny Evans to run free while a hopeful throughball bounced off the helpless Evans and fell kindly for Duris.

It was a bitter pill for Northern Ireland to take on a night when they started out as favourites, in search of qualification to a second consecutive European Championship.

At the final whistle, players collapsed to the Windsor Park turf in frustration and disappointment.

While he shared those emotions, Baraclough said their achievement in coming so close should be recognised.

"I wouldn't describe it as a wasted opportunity," he said. "It's an opportunity we haven't been able to take. I wouldn't use the word wasted. It was one of those where it was so close it could have gone either way.

"We were comfortable in the game, we felt we were the ones with the intensity. Our shape at the back was difficult for them to break through.

"The disappointing thing is the amount of times the ball has gone in the box and we've not been able to make them count.

"It's not a wasted opportunity, though. We'll look back and rue certain things I'm sure, but I think it's a credit that we're going toe-to-toe with someone like Slovakia."

Moments after Skriniar's own goal, substitute Kyle Lafferty struck the post for Northern Ireland – a chance to win the game in normal time which will be at the forefront of those moments Baraclough and his players will surely look back on.

Lafferty had warmed up wearing a t-shirt in memory of his sister Sonia, who died only a week previously.

The veteran striker looked in determined mood as soon as he came on, adding an extra dimension to attack alongside Liam Boyce.

"It just shows the magnitude of the guy that wants to do so well for his country," Baraclough said.

"It's so tough for someone like that to play for his country so soon after such a sad loss. George Saville has had to deal with issues leading into the camp as well."

ID:422101: cacheID:422101:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6937:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Marek Hamsik during a Slovakia press conference on March 23, 2019
Read Next:
A closer look at Slovakia ahead of Northern Ireland clash
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!