Northern Ireland earned promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League following a 2-2 draw against Luxembourg on Monday (Nov 18).
Northern Ireland threw away a two-goal lead in Luxembourg but a 2-2 draw was enough to earn promotion to League B in the Nations League. Isaac Price and Conor Bradley gave Michael O'Neill's side a two-goal lead but the hosts hit back.
Quickfire goals by Seid Korac and Gerson Rodrigues stunned Northern Ireland and set up a tense final 15 minutes. However, Northern Ireland held on to secure the point they needed to finish in top spot on Group C3.
The pre-match message from O'Neill and captain Shea Charles had been to press for the win and not to settle for a draw, and Northern Ireland made a bright start as drizzle fell at the Stade de Luxembourg.
They made the breakthrough when Shea Charles' low pass into the area was dummied by Dion Charles, and Price was on hard to steer an effort into the bottom corner.
With a one-goal advantage at half-time, Bradley's goal in the 51st minute gave Northern Ireland a buffer but they would soon relinquish it.
The Liverpool full-back rose highest to head Price's cross towards goal, and goalkeeper Tiago Pereira could only push the ball into his own net as Bradley wheeled away to celebrate with the ever-vocal Green and White Army.
However, Northern Ireland were stunned when Korac and Rodrigues netted in the space of three minutes but O'Neill's young side regrouped to hold on for the point they needed to finish top.
