Northern Ireland boost World Cup hopes with vital win over Slovakia

BELFAST: Northern Ireland reignited their World Cup qualification campaign with a crucial 2-0 victory over Slovakia in Belfast on Friday, moving into second place in Group A.

The hosts started brightly at Windsor Park and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Slovakia’s Patrik Hrosovsky turned Ethan Galbraith’s low cross into his own net. Despite Slovakia’s recent impressive wins over Germany and Luxembourg, they struggled to create chances against a disciplined Northern Ireland defence.

The game was sealed nine minutes from time when Trai Hume scored his first international goal in stunning fashion. After the Slovak keeper’s clearance fell to him, Hume struck a precise side-footed volley into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations.

“The keeper has come to clear it, and I just had to guide it towards the goal and thankfully I did,” Hume told BBC Northern Ireland.

The victory sets up a tantalizing clash with Germany in Belfast on Monday, as Northern Ireland continue their push for World Cup qualification.