Northern Ireland Under-21s Suffer Defeat to Ukraine in Euro 2025 Qualifier
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Northern Ireland Under-21s suffered a second successive defeat in their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign as they were edged out 1-0 by Ukraine in Slovakia. Tommy Wright’s side were beaten 1-0 by Luxembourg in their opening qualifier on Thursday at Mourneview Park. A goal from Vitaliy Roman on 70 minutes sealed victory for Ukraine.
Northern Ireland will now focus on their October double-header away to Azerbaijan and at home to Serbia. Wright made three changes to the team who were defeated by Luxembourg with Sean Stewart, Tommy Fogarty and Jamie McDonnell coming into the side in place of Darren Robinson, Michael Glynn and Chris McKee.
Early Action
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The game started off with a flurry of action as goalkeeper Stephen McMullan was forced into action on 20 minutes, beating away a fierce strike from Maksym Bragaru. Callum Marshall then twice went close for Northern Ireland, with Roman clearing his effort off the line after he capitalised on a mistake from goalkeeper Ruslan Nescheret. The West Ham striker then drew a save from Nescheret in the closing stages of the first half.
Second Half Pressure
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Wright’s side continued to keep the goalkeeper busy in the second period as he twice thwarted Ciaran McGuckin. The first was an effort from outside the area, with the second a low drive after a good run down the left from the striker.
Ukraine’s substitutes helped to swing the game in their favour and clinch all three points in their first game of the campaign. Ilya Kvasnytsia and Ihor Krasnoper interchanged passes before finding Roman, who beat McMullan with a well-taken strike from the edge of the box.
Northern Ireland’s Disappointing Start to Euro 2025 Qualifying Campaign
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Northern Ireland’s start to their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign has been disappointing, with two defeats in their first two games. They will now look to turn things around in their October double-header away to Azerbaijan and at home to Serbia.
Tommy Wright will be hoping his side can bounce back and put in a better performance against Azerbaijan and Serbia. He will be looking for his side to create more chances and make the most of them, as well as tightening up at the back and limiting the number of chances they give away.
Northern Ireland will need to pick up points in their upcoming games if they are to have any chance of qualifying for Euro 2025. It will be a tough task but one that is achievable if they can put in a strong performance and take their chances when they come.
Conclusion
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Northern Ireland Under-21s suffered a second successive defeat in their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign as they were edged out 1-0 by Ukraine in Slovakia. Tommy Wright’s side will now focus on their October double-header away to Azerbaijan and at home to Serbia, as they look to turn things around and get back to winning ways. Northern Ireland will need to pick up points in their upcoming games if they are to have any chance of qualifying for Euro 2025.