Northern Ireland dampens Ronaldo's party
Source: AFP |
October 18, 2012, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
NORTHERN Ireland stole the headlines from Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th international appearance on Tuesday as it held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in its European zone 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Indeed but for an equalizer by veteran striker Helder Postiga 11 minutes from time it would have been a miserable night all round for Ronaldo, who had started it all smiles when being presented with a special cap for his 100th appearance.
However, the overall picture for the hosts, Euro semifinalists only four months ago, doesn't look rosy either as they trail leader Russia by five points, having lost in Moscow on Friday.
The visitors, who ended a run of six successive away defeats, had taken the lead through Niall McGinn, a memorable strike for his first goal for his country.
The first half ended in encouraging fashion for the Northern Irish as Portuguese frustration surfaced with not for the first time Ronaldo being the most prominent moaner waving his arms despairingly and having a go at Postiga.
Ronaldo went desperately close to levelling the game, though, near the hour mark but Northern Ireland goalkeeper Roy Carroll made a great reflex save with his left leg.
Indeed but for an equalizer by veteran striker Helder Postiga 11 minutes from time it would have been a miserable night all round for Ronaldo, who had started it all smiles when being presented with a special cap for his 100th appearance.
However, the overall picture for the hosts, Euro semifinalists only four months ago, doesn't look rosy either as they trail leader Russia by five points, having lost in Moscow on Friday.
The visitors, who ended a run of six successive away defeats, had taken the lead through Niall McGinn, a memorable strike for his first goal for his country.
The first half ended in encouraging fashion for the Northern Irish as Portuguese frustration surfaced with not for the first time Ronaldo being the most prominent moaner waving his arms despairingly and having a go at Postiga.
Ronaldo went desperately close to levelling the game, though, near the hour mark but Northern Ireland goalkeeper Roy Carroll made a great reflex save with his left leg.
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