90min

Northern Ireland 1-2 Slovakia: Player Ratings as Green and White Army Fall Short in Euro 2020 Bid

By James Merrills

Duris scored the goal to send Slovakia to Euro 2020
Duris scored the goal to send Slovakia to Euro 2020 / Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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Northern Ireland came up short in their bid to qualify for Euro 2020 as Michal Duris' strike in extra time booked Slovakia's place at next summer's tournament.

The hosts started brightly but were undone when Jonny Evans failed to control George Saville's header downwards, allowing Juraj Kucka to put the visitors ahead early on. However, Northern Ireland drew level when Milan Skriniar turned into his own net in the 87th minute.

Michal Duris grabbed the winner in extra time, profiting from a lucky deflection to fire past Bailey Peacock-Farrell and in.

NORTHERN IRELAND

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Dallas did well to continue after suffering a painful knock to his right arm.
Dallas did well to continue after suffering a painful knock to his right arm. / Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK) - 6/10 - Was nearly caught out when claiming a cross from a corner but was able to recover. Should have done better with Slovakia's second.

Stuart Dallas (RB) - 8/10 - Got forward very well during the first half and soldiered on after injuring his arm in a clash with Tomas Hubocan.

Craig Cathcart (CB) - 6/10 - Played some good incisive passes forward in the second half and helped break the lines. Grew into the game at the side of Evans and helped keep Ondrej Duda at bay.

Jonny Evans (CB) - 6/10 - His failure to collect Saville's header let Kucka through on goal. Looked solid afterwards before a deflection off him helped Slovakia take the lead.

Jamal Lewis (LB) - 6/10 - Had a steady game and kept hold of the ball well. Got down the left wing more and more as the game progressed.

2. Midfielders

Davis was really positive with his balls forward and looked to keep his team on the front foot.
Davis was really positive with his balls forward and looked to keep his team on the front foot. / Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Paddy McNair (CM) - 8/10 - Looked lively in the second half and ran himself into the ground. Was the creative spark for Ireland before going off injured.

Steven Davis (CM) - 7/10 - Some great balls over the top in the first half and was always keen to play forward whenever he was in possession.

George Saville (CM) - 6/10 - His poor header put Evans under pressure and his only shot of the game went wide.

3. Forwards

Washington ran his socks off and looked lively before being subbed off in the second-half.
Washington ran his socks off and looked lively before being subbed off in the second-half. / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Niall McGinn (RW) - 8/10 - Nearly scored from a cross in the first half and put plenty of quality balls into the box.

Conor Washington (ST) - 6/10 - Looked lively in the first half and put the centre backs under pressure with his constant running. Struck a volley straight at the keeper.

Josh Magennis (LW) - 6/10 - Put himself about but struggled to make any progress on the left and was reduced to feeding off scraps.

4. Substitutes

Lafferty saw his 90th minute effort hit the post.
Lafferty saw his 90th minute effort hit the post. / Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

Gavin Whyte - 5/10

Jordan Thompson - 5/10

Kyle Lafferty - 7/10

Liam Boyce - 4/10

Tom Flanagan - N/A

Shane Ferguson - N/A