This game concluded with mutual irritation and a touch of chaos. It is an indicator of Northern Ireland’s progress that scoreless parity led to wincing from players, management and fans alike. Isaac Price’s 84th minute missed opportunity from the penalty spot added to the sense of annoyance.Michael O’Neill’s team are atop B2 after a window which, going by the players’s physical condition in the dying stages, has been exhausting. Northern Ireland and their youthful setup are a fascinating international story. They are a team on an upward curve, with standards elevated accordingly. O’Neill bemoaned “immaturity” in the second half, saying: “The disappointing thing is we have eight points instead of 10.” Continue reading...