- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Northern Ireland vs. San Marino: Score, Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying
- Updated: October 8, 2016
Northern Ireland defeated San Marino 4-0 in 2018 World Cup qualifying in a one-sided affair at Windsor Park in UEFA Group C on Saturday.
Goals from Steven Davis, Kyle Lafferty and Jamie Ward were enough to give the home side a clear advantage, although they failed to bury a glut of chances against the minnows.
Lafferty wrapped up the result with the last kick of the game to claim the fourth of the night.
Northern Ireland made two changes from their goalless draw against Czech Republic on September 4. Josh Magennis and Niall McGinn came into the starting lineup to replace Lafferty and Paddy McNair.
The visitors made four changes from their defeat to Azerbaijan, as San Marino selected Fabio Vitaioli, Alessandro Della Valle, Matteo Coppini and Matteo Stefanelli for the starting XI.
OptaJoe explained the task at hand for an inferior San Marino side:
6 – Northern Ireland have won six of their last eight home matches (D2). Comfort.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 8, 2016
The Irish were on the front foot in the early stages as expected, and McGinn was a menace as the hosts worked for an opening goal.
San Marino offered resistance as they attempted to provide an attacking threat, but the Irish were dominant in midfield, retaining possession.
The breakthrough came after 25 minutes …
