Northern Ireland, for the first time in a generation, are beginning to compete. If, as seems likely, Michael O’Neill’s side make it to France in 2016, they will identify this flinty victory over disappointing Finland as a result of absolute significance. Where hitherto there was promise, now there is substance.
Like David Healy before him, it is in international colours that talismanic forward Kyle Lafferty tends to come alive. The Ulstermen took a giant step towards automatic qualification for a major tournament, after a 30-year absence – and what a lift for Northern Ireland’s fans, careworn by mediocrity for too many years. Two goals in six minutes by Lafferty – currently at Caykur Rizespor on loan from Norwich City – carved out major psychological capital here. Northern Ireland went into this clash at Windsor Park on the cusp of good things after three wins from four in their campaign, but this success should, in reality, make advancement to the finals probable. 12 points from a possible 15 is spiriting the breezy Ulstermen on their way.
No wonder Finland chief Mixu Paatelainen had talked up the threat of Lafferty before this crunch showdown. With five goals in this campaign, the striker is looking irresistible. The standing ovation when he was substituted late on was well-earned.
So, this was the outcome the Northern Irish craved, genuinely finding themselves in rarefied territory, of the type not experienced for so long. This was not merely the kind of triumph Northern Ireland always enjoyed on the odd, memorable, occasion; rather it was another deserved consequence of hard work, self-belief and a sense of purpose from a squad, a number of whom are in the autumn of their careers. O’Neill has always insisted that his first-choice team have promise – and this was the hurdle that genuinely positions qualification within sight.
16 to 18 points should be sufficient to book that passage, and although Romania are next up in Belfast in June, Northern Ireland’s ever-growing confidence should nevertheless concern the group favourites.
Curiously, this was the first international on a Sunday at Windsor Park - in the midst of a much-needed makeover project - and fans entering the stadium faced groups of religious protesters, unhappy about playing on a Sunday.
As it was, the restricted, sell-out 11,000 crowd were hopeful of further acceleration against the under-pressure Finns, who had flattered to deceive, with only a single win, against Faroe Islands, to their credit. Early on, the hosts, mystifyingly, were clearly suffering from wide-ranging seventh-day sloth, unable to fashion periods of possession and real dominance. They were second best to most balls and the warning signs were flashing as visiting striker Teemu Pukki was thwarted twice in as many minutes, firstly an angled shot parried by Roy Carroll, and more worryingly for the Irish,a header cleared off the line by Niall McGinn.
Despite Finland keeper Lukas Hradecky denying Jamie Ward’s 12-yard effort it was still a shock when Northern Ireland actually carved out a well-worked goal to edge in front.
Lafferty, such a totemic presence for O’Neill’s men, volleyed home with calm precision after Niall McGinn had returned a clearance from Oliver Norwood’s free-kick.
Somehow the Finns were dazed, more so from the apparent injustice of it all. And their own hesitation was pounced upon by former Rangers striker Lafferty once again. The forward steered a fine header into left corner following an inch-perfect Conor McLaughlin cross from the right. Granted, it was a little flattering, but certainly nerve-settling by the break.
O’Neill sent out a more focused outfit in the second half, taking control of most situations. A sense of calm was restored, with Finland having lost their earlier verve. There was greater purpose and organisation, which pleased the manager afterwards, especially after losing the guile of Steven Davis at the interval.
Still,,.,, Lafferty’s late withdrawal was almost premature when the Finns sparked late dramanmarked substitute Berat Sadik pounced inside the danger area to slam home with confidence. Nerves jangled, naturally, for the home fans – but it is O’Neill who will be feeling the burn of optimism. A milestone on this mazy Euro road for Northern Ireland, without question.
