"Just three managers have taken the Northern Ireland men's team to a major tournament. Peter Doherty, Billy Bingham and current boss Michael O'Neill are all lauded as legends in the country for guiding the side to either the World Cup or European Championships. But for the width of the post, that trio would be a quartet. Ian Baraclough was in only his sixth game in charge of Northern Ireland when he led the side into a Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia at Windsor Park."
"After advancing to the game thanks to a penalty shootout victory away to Bosnia-Herzegovina, further late heroics looked in store when Kyle Lafferty fired goalward from distance in the 90th minute. The striker, who was playing just a week after the passing of his sister, instead saw his effort hit the outside of the upright and bounce tamely to safety."
"Slovakia, who return to Belfast on Friday night for a 2026 World Cup qualifier, went on to secure their place at Euro 2020 through Michal Duris' scruffy goal 10 minutes from the end of the second period of extra time. "The width of a post is what can change outcomes and what can change careers, isn't it?" Baraclough says. "Moments in that game stick with me, you know? It came off Johnny Evans' backside for their winner, as well.""
Northern Ireland narrowly missed qualification for Euro 2020 after losing a play-off to Slovakia. Ian Baraclough led the side into the play-off in his sixth game in charge. Northern Ireland advanced to the play-off by winning a penalty shootout away to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Kyle Lafferty's 90th-minute effort struck the outside of the post and did not go in. Slovakia scored through Michal Duris ten minutes from the end of extra time to win. Baraclough reflects on the fine margins, noting a post's width and moments that can change outcomes and careers. Covid-19 delays affected the international calendar and managerial roles.
Read at www.bbc.com
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