Northern Ireland draw blank with Slovenia
Reuters - Tuesday 29 March 2011, 21:09
BELFAST, March 29 (Reuters) - Northern Ireland and Slovenia
fought out a goalless draw in their Euro 2012 Group C qualifier
on Tuesday that frustrated two sides realistically chasing a
play-off behind favourites and group leaders Italy.
Slovenia had the best of the first half but were mainly
restricted to long-range efforts. However, they should have gone
ahead two minutes after the restart when Milivoje Novakovic
sidefooted over the bar from six metres after being picked out
by Marko Suler.
Northern Ireland, who opened their campaign with a 1-0 win
in Maribor last September, forced their way back into the game
and had a great chance to win it nine minutes from time when
brothers Jonny and Corry Evans combined to set up Chris Brunt
but his sliding shot slipped past the post.
Italy, who beat Slovenia 1-0 on Friday, lead the standings
on 13 points from five games, with Slovenia second on eight
points from six.
Serbia are third, also on eight points from six, after
drawing 1-1 with Estonia on Tuesday. Estonia are on seven points
and Northern Ireland have six, each having played five games.