Northern Ireland blow chance to go top
"It will not be easy. I didn't want to say it before we played Italy but I see Tuesday as the more difficult game...If you are not focused 100 per cent in football then you are going to get a little slap."
Those were the eerily prescient comments of Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington ahead of yesterday's afternoon's rather shocking 1-1 draw away to Faroe Islands in a fixture in which they assumed the unfamiliar role of being [1.38] favourites.
As Italy's match against Serbia was abandoned after seven minutes because the travelling fans persistently threw fireworks and flares on the Genoa pitch, Northern Ireland could have climbed level on points at the top of the group with the Azzurri - who are expected to be awarded a 3-0 victory.
They fell behind in the second half against the minnows managed by former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr though, and despite Kyle Lafferty equalising in the 76th minute and the visitors pressing in the closing stages, Worthington declared himself "pleased to be coming away with a point after that performance".
Second place remains obtainable however, especially with Serbia in disarray and head-to-head advantage over Slovenia assured provided they don't lose to them at Windsor Park in March. The double-header with overachieving fifth seeds Estonia at the end of the campaign may be decisive.
Italy's position as [1.22] Group C favourites has undoubtedly strengthened, with Northern Ireland understandably drifting to [10.0], a price that makes them fourth in the betting. They are [4.0] to be among the 16 nations participating in Austria and Ukraine, having previously been [3.15].
Can they still make it, or will this stumble prove costly? Have your say below...
Published: 13 Oct 2010
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