Michael O’Neill expressed fury after a goal he claimed “should clearly have been disallowed” saw Northern Ireland lose 1-0 to Slovakia in stoppage time in Kosice. Substitute Tomas Bobcek, on the pitch for just three minutes, prodded home after goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell failed to deal with a corner. Northern Ireland argued that Daniel Ballard had been pushed by Leo Sauer, but no foul was given.
Despite the defeat, Northern Ireland secured a World Cup qualifying playoff place via the Nations League after Croatia beat the Faroe Islands 3-1. However, frustration dominated O’Neill’s post-match comments. “There’s a clear push on Daniel Ballard at the corner, two hands on his back,” he said. Slovakia had two second-half goals disallowed before Bobcek struck, while Ballard received a second yellow card in the dying moments.
Slovakia now travel to Leipzig on Monday with a chance to top Group A if they beat Germany, who lead the group on goal difference after a 2-0 win over Luxembourg. Nick Woltemade scored both goals for Germany, who struggled defensively in the first half. A win or draw sends Germany to the World Cup, while Slovakia must win to claim top spot.
Croatia completed a 3-1 comeback win over the Faroe Islands to secure their place at next year’s finals, moving to 19 points in Group L. Second-placed Czech Republic cannot catch them with one match left. The Netherlands are on the verge of qualification after a 1-1 draw in Poland, with Memphis Depay scoring his 55th international goal. The Dutch need only a draw against Lithuania on Monday to secure their berth.
