Half-Time Report: Northern Ireland being held by Qatar in Crewe

Northern Ireland failed to break the deadlock before half time in this evening's friendly against Qatar at Crewe Alexandra's Alexandra Stadium.

Brentford's Stuart Dallas had the first meaningful effort of the match with a shot that flew wide after a surging run from midfield.

The game was struggling to catch fire as Ireland controlled the tempo and restricted Qatar going forward.

Oliver Norwood went closest to the opening goal before half time when his free kick was tipped away by Qatar keeper Amine Lecomte-Addani.