Southampton: Steven Davis and Northern Ireland reach WC play-offs
By Chris Hughes
Despite suffering defeat at the hands of Norway, Southampton captain Steven Davis and his Northern Ireland side have reached the 2018 World Cup’s play-offs.
It could be the midfielder’s first World Cup with his national side, having also featured at the 2016 European Championships just over a year ago. It could be the team’s first World Cup since 1986, where they went out at the group stages.
The side’s fate was already determined going into the encounter with the Norwegians, as Scotland failed to beat Slovenia which resulted in them being unable to finish in a play-off spot.
Gordon Strachan’s side drew their game 2-2, meaning the Northern Irish went into their respective game knowing they had already qualified beyond the group.
It’s arguable therefore that Davis and his side coasted the away affair in Oslo, losing 1-0 courtesy of an unfortunate Chris Brunt own goal.
Despite the loss, Northern Ireland still finished with a hugely respectable 19 points from Group C, bettering the Czech Republic and their opponents on the night, Norway.
Scoring 43 goals en route the German’s still won the group comfortably, with an untouched record of ten wins from ten.
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However Michael O’Neill and his side can be proud of their own defensive efforts, with Chris Brunt’s own goal being just the sixth they have conceded across all of qualifying.
Elsewhere neither of Southampton’s two representatives on the Three Lions’ roster featured in their respective win over Lithuania. Harry Kane’s penalty decided the fate, as England finished qualification undefeated.
Tonight Shane Long and Dusan Tadic could feature in must-win games for their respective countries.