Category: International Football
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Well-travelled Andrew Smith’s smooth adapting to new horizons can make him a hit at FC Haka
Some former Irish League stars have taken interesting steps in their post-playing career, and Andrew Smith is no exception. The 43-year-old Lisburn man was this week confirmed as head coach of FC Haka. There’s more than a pinch of irony behind that hire. Haka were the Finnish outfit dumped out of Europa Conference League qualifying…
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Extortionate ticket prices are taking away from the Northern Ireland feelgood factor of old
Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, which had supporters brimming with hope when the draw was first made, has not worked a treat. Michael O’Neill hasn’t been given much of a honeymoon period since returning to the hotseat, as a frustrating crusade will ensure that his joy at guiding the nation to the 2016 Euros…
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The Irish League has a massive part to play in leading Northern Ireland to better days
Northern Ireland’s hopes of Euro 2024 Finals qualification died a quick death. Regrettable as that sounds, it is a cold, hard truth. After eight matchdays, the flame of hope has been extinguished and replaced by acceptance that a summer trip to Germany next year is off the table. With Michael O’Neill and his players garnering…
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Euro 2028 may be coming to fruition, but a finished Casement Park alone doesn’t spell success for NI football
News of the acceptance of the UK and Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 has brought things into motion quickly in Northern Ireland. Only naturally, too, because there is presently no venue that can meet the 30,000-capacity requirement for staging games at the tournament, per UEFA’s demands. For how successfully as Windsor Park played host…
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