Football: World Cup: Tame surrender of Irish initiative
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spain. .3
Northern Ireland. .1
NORTHERN IRELAND took an early lead against Spain in Seville last night, only to be overhauled by two goals from Julio Salinas and one from Fernando Hierro. Their hopes of World Cup qualification are now slim.
Billy Bingham's side had held Spain to a goalless draw in Belfast, and Kevin Wilson, the Notts County midfielder, put his side in front after 11 minutes, his well-placed shot going to the left of Andoni Zubizarreta.
Ten minutes later, though, Salinas picked up a loose ball from a corner and slipped it past Tommy Wright from 10 yards.
The Barcelona forward struck again only five minutes later to give Spain the lead, heading in a cross from his Barcelona team-mate, Albert Ferrer. Spain took charge and extended their lead after 41 minutes when Real Madrid's Hierro scored from a corner.
'I think you can say that we are waving bye-bye to the World Cup,' Bingham said. 'It's harder to take because two of their goals were from corner kicks when we didn't defend.'
SPAIN: Zubizaretta; Ferrer (both Barcelona), Alcorta (Athletic Bilbao), Giner (Valencia), Toni (Atletico Madrid), Hierro (Real Madrid), Aldana (La Coruna), Guerrero (Bilbao), Beguiristain, Salinas (both Barcelona), Barragan (La Coruna). Substitutes: Bakero (Barcelona) for Beguiristain, 75, Quico (Cadiz) for Claudio, 58.
NORTHERN IRELAND: Wright (Newcastle); Fleming (Barnsley), McDonald (Queen's Park Rangers), Taggart (Barnsley), Worthington (Sheffield Wednesday), Black (Nottingham Forest), K Wilson (Notts County), Donaghy (Chelsea), M O'Neill (Dundee United), Gray (Luton), Hughes (Strasbourg). Substitutes: Dowie (Southampton) for O'Neill, 73; Dennison (Wolverhampton) for Black, 73.
Referee: L Sundell (Sweden).
Eric Cantona scored twice to give France a 2-1 victory over Sweden in Group Six last night. The Manchester United striker equalised from a penalty just before half-time and volleyed the winner with eight minutes left.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments