Friday 15 Nov 2024

O’Neill wants NI to be more clinical against Belarus

Michael O’Neill is expecting Belarus to deploy a blanket defence when they take on Northern Ireland in Belfast this evening.

The Belarusians are unbeaten in their opening four fixtures in League C Group 3 of the UEFA Nations League - and have conceded only one goal.

And the Northern Ireland boss is expecting Belarus to be strong defensively once again when the sides meet at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park (7.45 start).

He said the onus will be on his side to break down the visitors’ strong defensive unit.

Last month Belarus and Northern Ireland drew 0-0 in a behind closed doors C3 encounter at the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg in Hungary.

In the programme for today’s match, the manager says: “I expect them to be strong defensively, just like they were last month. They have experienced players who know how to soak up pressure and carve out chances on the counter attack.”

He further points out: “It was frustrating to come away from our match against Belarus in Hungary with only a single point. We dominated the ball for long spells and created plenty of chances.

“Tonight the players will be striving to once again create opportunities – and to be more clinical in front of goal.”

Northern Ireland currently sit top of UNL League C Group 3 following their 0-0 draw with Belarus and 5-0 win over Bulgaria last month.

O’Neill’s side have seven points from four games, while Belarus are second on six points (one win, three draws) with the Bulgarians in third on five and Luxembourg propping up the C3 table with two.Another home win tonight would move Northern Ireland a step closer to winning the group and getting promoted to League B for the next edition of the Nations League.

The manager explains: “The situation is in our hands. We want to progress and get to the next level of Nations League football. Reaching that next tier of international football would see us compete and test ourselves against the teams you have to finish ahead of if you’re going to qualify for major tournaments.

“With that in mind, we will be aiming to take the game to the Belarusians tonight.”

Defenders Paddy McNair, Jamal Lewis and Eoin Toal are not involved in tonight’s game or Monday’s away game against Luxembourg due to injury. Also out is winger Ross McCausland, who has an ankle problem.

The manager feels he has enough defensive cover, however. He said the return of central defender Daniel Ballard from injury has provided a boost.

Midfielder Shea Charles, who will captain his country for the first time tonight, told media yesterday that he wants the team to build on their impressive 5-0 victory against Bulgaria last month and to be more clinical than they were against Belarus in October.

He said: "We can't let the game get into a way they can control it. In the first half (in Hungary) we had so many chances but second half they sat deep and controlled it.

"The Bulgaria game, starting well was so important and after the first goal it was bouncing and that is the atmosphere you want to create by playing well and scoring goals."

Belarus set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in their draws with Northern Ireland and Luxembourg in October.

As is often the case for teams operating with a back three, the wing-backs drop back when Belarus are out of possession, with their backline therefore appearing more like a flat back five.

They also have a fluid frontline featuring a lone forward. Their dangerman is winger Valery Gromyko. Comfortable on either foot, he scored a fine goal against Luxembourg in September.