A superb win for Northern Ireland over Russia last night. Just a pity that they trip up against wee teams like Luxembourg and then beat one of the top teams in the world. Many had predicted a thumping for N.I (myself included) with the likes of Johnny Evans and Kyle Lafferty missing through injury but the young team not only looked comfortable on the ball but looked from the start that they were gonna take full points. Hitting the wood work, having a goal ruled incorrectly offside and coming agonisingly close could have seen them put 3 or 4 past them. World Cup hopes over but a few more performances like that will see the team rocket up the rankings.
Great result and what must make it sweeter was that Fabio Capello told the russian press he wasnlt going to replace an injured player as they were "only playing Northern Ireland" . I would laugh myself to death if Russia didn't qualify.
They had their press officer talking to the news the night before and he basically said that they had no worries about the game. Capello looked ragin at half time and it showed as he used up all his subs within minutes after the break. I think they had 2 shots on target and that was in the last few minutes of the game. It's gonna be tight for Russia but I think Portugal will top the group.
Fella I know had £5 on them at 20/1. I put a few bets on last night but Brazil, Russia and another scudded me
