Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg: A Comprehensive Match Report

In a gripping UEFA Nations League encounter at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland claimed a commanding 2-0 victory over Luxembourg in League C, Group C3. This match was crucial for both teams as they sought to climb the standings and solidify their positions in the tournament. Goals from Paddy McNair and Daniel Ballard sealed the win for the hosts, as they dominated the first half and effectively managed the second.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Head-to-Head

This match marked the 4th meeting between Northern Ireland and Luxembourg, with Northern Ireland holding a dominant record. Prior to this game, Northern Ireland had won two of the previous three encounters, with Luxembourg securing a solitary draw. Given the history, Northern Ireland entered the match as favorites, but Luxembourg had been showing steady improvements in their recent outings.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Lineups

Here are the Northern Ireland National Football Team vs Luxembourg National Football Team lineups today (Sep 5, 2024)

Northern Ireland (4-3-3):
Manager: Michael O’Neill

1. Peacock-Farrell (GK)
2. Bradley
3. Ballard
4. Hume
5. Saville
6. Marshall
7. D. Charles
8. Price
9. McNair
10. S. Charles
11. Brown

Substitutes:

12. Southwood (GK), 23. Clarke (GK), 3. Lewis, 7. McCausland, 9. Lavery, 11. Smyth, 13. C. Evans, 15. Lyons, 16. McCann, 18. Johnston, 20. Galbraith, 21. Magennis.

Luxembourg (5-4-1):
Manager: Luc Holtz

1. Moris (GK)
2. Mahmutovic
3. Bohnert
4. Gerson
5. C. Martins
6. Rodrigues
7. Carlson
8. Veiga
9. Barreiro
10. Jans
11. Olesen

Substitutes:

12. Schon (GK), 23. Pereira (GK), 2. Ikene, 5. Andrade Brites, 6. D’Anzico, 9. Videira, 11. E. Muratovic, 15. Dzogovic, 17. Michael Pinto, 20. Rupil, 21. S. Thill, 22. Lohei.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg First Half Summary

The match began with a dominant display from Northern Ireland, who took control of possession early on. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Paddy McNair found the back of the net with a well-placed shot inside the box. Northern Ireland continued their momentum, doubling their lead in the 17th minute as Daniel Ballard rose high to head in a precise free-kick from George Saville. Luxembourg struggled to match the intensity, with limited chances to trouble the Northern Irish defense.

Key Moments:

• 11′ – Goal: Paddy McNair capitalized on a loose ball inside the box to put Northern Ireland ahead.
• 17′ – Goal: Daniel Ballard doubled the lead with a towering header off a Saville free-kick.
• 45′ – Yellow Card: Luxembourg’s Enes Mahmutovic was shown a yellow card for a foul on Dion Charles.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Halftime

At halftime, Northern Ireland led comfortably by 2-0, with both sides making substitutions to alter the flow of the game. Luxembourg introduced Michael Pinto and Dion Charles to add attacking options, while Northern Ireland looked to manage their lead.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Second Half Summary

Luxembourg showed more attacking intent in the second half but was unable to break down the well-organized Northern Irish defense. Despite several efforts on goal from Gerson Rodrigues and Mathias Olesen, Luxembourg lacked the precision to convert chances into goals. Northern Ireland, on the other hand, focused on maintaining their lead and hitting Luxembourg on the counter. The second half saw no additional goals, but Northern Ireland continued to dominate, especially with solid performances from their backline.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Timeline

Here is the Northern Ireland National Football Team vs Luxembourg National Football Team timeline today (Sep 5, 2024)

• 50′ – Barreiro (Luxembourg) fouls S. Charles, conceding a free-kick.
• 57′ – Luxembourg’s Barreiro misses a chance to pull one back, shooting wide.
• 73′ – Daniel Ballard (Northern Ireland) misses a close-range header.
• 82′ – Substitutions: Northern Ireland brings on Alistair McCann and Paul Smyth to close out the game.
• 87′ – Ciaron Brown (Northern Ireland) is shown a yellow card for a foul on Dzogovic.
• 90’+4 – Bohnert (Luxembourg) has a shot blocked in stoppage time as Northern Ireland secures a clean sheet.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Stats

Here is the Northern Ireland National Football Team vs Luxembourg National Football Team stats today (Sep 5, 2024)

• Possession: Northern Ireland 40% – 60% Luxembourg
• Total Attempts: Northern Ireland 14 – 8 Luxembourg
• Attempts on Target: Northern Ireland 5 – 2 Luxembourg
• Passing Accuracy: Northern Ireland 82% – 87% Luxembourg
• Corners: Northern Ireland 10 – 2 Luxembourg
• Yellow Cards: Northern Ireland 1 – 1 Luxembourg

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Impact on the Points Table

With this victory, Northern Ireland climbs up in League C, Group C3, further solidifying their bid for promotion to League B. Luxembourg, however, faces a steeper challenge to recover from this loss and will need to focus on their remaining fixtures to avoid relegation.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg Man of the Match

George Saville was the standout performer for Northern Ireland. His assist for Ballard’s goal, coupled with his command in midfield and delivery on set pieces, earned him the Man of the Match honors.

Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win over Luxembourg showcased their ability to control matches with a combination of strong defense and clinical finishing. McNair and Ballard’s early goals proved decisive, as Luxembourg could not find a way past the solid Northern Irish backline. This result puts Northern Ireland in a strong position in the group, while Luxembourg will need to regroup and focus on their next matches.