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19/08/2004
NI earn deserved draw against Swiss
Northern Ireland football team continued their resurgence under manager Lawrie Sanchez last night with a 0-0 draw against Switzerland in Zurich.
The Swiss, who are 65 places higher in the world rankings than their Irish opponents, looked the more dangerous in the opening 45 minutes with Johan Vonlanthen spurning two great chances.
In the second half however Northern Ireland began to assert themselves with David Healy, Stuart Elliott and Gary Hamilton all coming close, while goalkeeper Roy Carroll produced some fine saves as the Swiss continued to create chances.
In the end though, a draw was probably a fair result for Sanchez's men who have now gone six matches without a loss, a record which has not been seen since the heyday of the mid 1980's under Billy Bingham.
Turning his attention to next month's opening World Cup qualifying game against Poland in Belfast, Sanchez said: "When I took over they had gone 13 games without a goal and 14 games without a win, but the mood has since changed in the dressing room.
"Having played like we did in the second half, I'm not going to say we'll finish top of the group, but I'm confident we can give people a game. Bring on Poland."
(MB)
The Swiss, who are 65 places higher in the world rankings than their Irish opponents, looked the more dangerous in the opening 45 minutes with Johan Vonlanthen spurning two great chances.
In the second half however Northern Ireland began to assert themselves with David Healy, Stuart Elliott and Gary Hamilton all coming close, while goalkeeper Roy Carroll produced some fine saves as the Swiss continued to create chances.
In the end though, a draw was probably a fair result for Sanchez's men who have now gone six matches without a loss, a record which has not been seen since the heyday of the mid 1980's under Billy Bingham.
Turning his attention to next month's opening World Cup qualifying game against Poland in Belfast, Sanchez said: "When I took over they had gone 13 games without a goal and 14 games without a win, but the mood has since changed in the dressing room.
"Having played like we did in the second half, I'm not going to say we'll finish top of the group, but I'm confident we can give people a game. Bring on Poland."
(MB)
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