Nations League: Northern Ireland make huge strides despite Georgia frustration - BBC Sport
BBC Homepage
Skip to content
Accessibility Help
Your account
Home
- News
- Sport
- Earth
- Reel
- Worklife
- Travel
- Culture
- Future
- Music
- TV
- Weather
- Sounds
BBC Sport
Menu
- Home
- Football
- Cricket
- Formula 1
- Rugby U
- Tennis
- Golf
- Cycling
- Athletics
- More
A-Z Sports
- American Football
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Disability Sport
- Football
- Formula 1
- Gaelic Games
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Horse Racing
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Motorsport
- Netball
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Snooker
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Full Sports A-Z
More from Sport
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Quizzes
News Feeds
Northern Ireland: A New Era in the Nations League
Northern Ireland drew both home games in the current Uefa Nations League window 0-0. This marked a significant improvement from their previous struggles in the competition, where they had yet to win or even collect all three points away from home at any level.
By Jonathan Bradley, BBC Sport NI senior journalist
Published 6 hours ago
Northern Ireland's first nine points in the Nations League were earned across 17 games. Completing their four-game window with a stalemate against Georgia on Monday night secured eight points in just 11 days—a testament to the growing confidence and ability of this young squad.
Although fans left Windsor Park frustrated by the lack of goals, Isaac Price's saved penalty in the 83rd minute highlighted several missed opportunities. Despite this, Northern Ireland can take pride in their performances, especially considering their average age of 22 and the absence of key players like Conor Bradley and Daniel Ballard.
"It was a hard camp...and I thought we dealt with it really well," said Shea Charles, who, along with Trai Hume, impressed with their Premier League-like displays.
A Successful Window
With this condensed schedule presenting unique challenges for managers, Michael O'Neill's side stood out:
- Two away victories: Over Georgia and Ukraine in Slovakia.
- Four successive clean sheets: The only team in the competition without a conceded goal.
- No goals conceded: Impressive considering the absence of regular players.
"We've won two away games, drew two at home, no goals conceded...there's not many complaints," said Charles. "I think we've been really good."