BAILEY PEACOCK-FARRELL hauled Northern Ireland off the deck to keep their Euro dreams alive.
Burnley’s reserve keeper made a stunning save during his country’s first penalty shootout to see them through to face Slovakia in the play-off final next month in Belfast.
Burnley reserve goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell was the Northern Ireland hero in the shootout win over BosniaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Northern Ireland had earlier come back from a goal down after the slippery pitch caused havoc in defence.
Several Northern Ireland players fell foul of the greasy surface prior to Jonny Evans going down which ended with the home side going in front.
Ian Baraclough’s team did not train at the stadium on the night before the game, opting instead to hold a session in Belfast then fly straight out the night before the game.
Newcastle defender Jamal Lewis and Clarets stopper Peacock-Farrell both fell over during the calamitous early spell when Northern Ireland were on the back foot in every sense.
Loose defending also played a part when Bosnia went ahead in the 14th minute.
Evans went tumbling trying to shepherd Branimir Cipetic away from the danger area.
But the Leicester centre-half’s slip opened up a chance for a cut back into the box.
Milan’s Rade Krunic was left free on the penalty spot to collect the ball and slam a shot home from 12 yards.
Niall McGinn equalised for the Green and White Army to cancel out Rade Krunic’s opener in BosniaCredit: PA:Press Association
Ian Baraclough’s side take on Slovakia in the play-off final for a place at next summer’s European ChampionshipsCredit: Reuters
Hull City striker Josh Magennis came within a whisker of equalising two minutes later with a point-blank header that drew a spectacular save from Ibrahim Sehic.
George Saville had a powerful shot deflected over the crossbar on the stroke of half-time as Northern Ireland finally found their feet and fought back.
Niall McGinn stayed upright and burst through the Bosnia defence eight minutes after the break to equalise.
Peacock-Farrell had his crossbar rattled by Barcelona’s Miralem Pjanic with a free-kick before the shootout win.
Around 1,500 home fans were allowed into the stadium but hardly any media travelled due to coronavirus restrictions.
Northern Ireland have confirmed around 600 supporters will be let into Windsor Park to watch Sunday’s Nations League game against Austria.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
