Victory for O’neill’s men guarantees second spot

Northern Ireland have guaranteed second spot in Group C with a 2-0 win over Czech Republic that means they are virtually assured of a November play-off to get to the World Cup finals in Russia.

A point would have been enough to ensure Michael O’neill’s side would finish as runners-up, but firsthalf goals by Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt gave them a victory which means they will almost certainly be one of the eight best second-placed teams in the play-offs. Moreover, having claimed 19 points from a possible 24 so far, they could still catch world champions Germany and win the group, despite the Germans having won every one of their eight qualifiers to date.

A Brunt corner was initially headed out by Marek Suchy at the near post but Oliver Norwood guided it back in and an unmarked Jonny Evans headed the hosts ahead in the 28th minute.

Brunt then stepped up and whipped a brilliant free-kick beyond the defensive wall and past Tomas Vaclik for the second.