Luxembourg deny Northern Ireland at the death
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Article summary
Northern Ireland 1-1 Luxembourg
Leading for long periods, the hosts were dealt a cruel blow when Daniel Da Mota rescued a dramatic point three minutes from time.
Article top media content
Article body
Daniel Da Mota scored his second goal in as many games as Luxembourg came from behind to secure a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland.
Both sides were reeling from opening FIFA World Cup qualifying Group F defeats and it seemed more woe was on the cards for Luxembourg when Dean Shiels opened the scoring after 14 mintues. The Rangers FC forward showed presence of mind by latching on to Jonny Evans' incisive pass, before delicately lifting the ball over the onrushing Jonathan Joubert.
The hosts had a chance to put the game to bed when Chris Brunt struck a post from close range and they were made to pay for their profligacy three minutes from time when Da Mota's fierce shot took a wicked deflection and sent Roy Carroll the wrong way.
Luxembourg coach Luc Holtz hailed the draw as a "big result" for his players. "Northern Ireland were physically stronger than us in the first half and we didn't keep the ball," he said. "We performed better in the second half, had more of the ball, created chances and deserved a draw."
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill, still seeking his first win after five games at the helm, said: "It is a game we feel we should have won, but we played poorly in the second half and let our standards drop."
