Greece 3-1 Northern Eire: People slump to a further Nations League defeat regardless of Shayne Lavery’s early strike but Ian Baraclough’s side steer clear of finishing bottom of their team
Striker Shayne Lavery cancelled out a smooth opening purpose from Dimitrios PelkasGoals from Giorgos Masouras and Petros Mantalos secured a deserved winCyprus’ defeat to Kosovo meant that Northern Eire avoided staying relegated
The only very good information on a hot and rather humbling night time in Athens was that Northern Eire avoided the menace of Nations League relegation.
Cyprus’ 5-1 defeat to Kosovo spared Ian Baraclough’s aspect the shame of ending base of Team C2 even with capitulating to Greece at the Georgios Kamaras Stadium.
But Northern Ireland are now established to fall into pot 5 for the Euro 2024 attract subsequent month, which means they will facial area a considerably tougher qualifying team on the highway to Germany.
Northern Ireland fell to another Nations League defeat in Greece but avoided finishing base
Shayne Lavery pounced to steer property a volley from near vary to level in the 18th minute
Following ultimately profitable a Nations League video game at the 15th attempt from Kosovo in Belfast on Saturday, Northern Eire were being introduced down to earth as they completed a wretched campaign with 5 points from six matches.
Blackpool striker Shayne Lavery cancelled out a gentle opening intention from Dimitrios Pelkas, but Georgios Masouras and Petros Mantalos gave team winners Greece a deserved gain.
It spoiled a landmark night time for Leicester City’s Jonny Evans who was handed the captain’s armband on his 100th overall look, becoming only the fourth Northern Irishman to access a century of caps.
Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell won’t glimpse back on the situation with any fondness both.
It received off to a complicated begin when a groggy Jordan Thompson was pressured out of the recreation in only the fifth minute subsequent an off-the-ball obstacle from Mantalos who was then booked for a cynical foul on Ali McCann.
Even worse nonetheless, Northern Ireland gifted the hosts a objective in the 14th minute when Peacock-Farrell spilled a cross from Fotis Ioannidis soon after bumping into teammate Paddy McNair and Hull striker Pelkas stooped to head dwelling.
Greece’s guide previous just four minutes, having said that, as Steven Davis swung around a cross from the still left and Lavery stole in to information the ball previous goalkeeper Odusseus Vlachodomos.
Gus Poyet’s aspect dominated the 2nd half and regained the lead when Davis’ pass was intercepted and Mantalos merged with Anastasios Bakasetas for Masouras to score from shut vary.
Miscalculation by captain Steven Davis led to Giorgos Masouras scoring the next from near range
Petros Mantalos sealed victory with a 25-yard thunderbolt past goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell
Mantalos manufactured sure of victory in the 80th moment when Peacock-Farrell couldn’t preserve out his stunning effort and hard work from 25 yards.
Some of the 1,000 travelling followers referred to as for Baraclough to go, and he claimed: ‘It’s not what we wished but we experienced from pot five in 2016 so it can be finished.
‘I imagine we’re establishing. You see gamers coming in and acquiring their way. Strangely, we will be superior for the working experience.’