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PRESIDENT’S
WELCOME
The game will bring both countries to the midway
point in the qualification group as the contest for
second place gathers momentum following the
winter break from internationals.
Our last competitive game, a four-goal defeat
of Azerbaijan, moved us up to second place in
the group and there is a great opportunity to
consolidate that position tonight.
It is a really big game for both countries and a win
for Northern Ireland will keep confidence high as
the team travel to Azerbaijan for the next qualifying
fixture on June 10. Norway lie four points behind
Northern Ireland so they will hope to get much
closer to second with a win.
There have been seven previous meetings between
our countries, including five friendlies in Belfast all
won by Norway, the last of which was in 2012. The
other two games were in the 1976 UEFA European
Championship qualification series which resulted
in Norway winning 2-1 in Oslo and Northern Ireland
claiming the points with a 3-0 win in Belfast.
It is a special occasion for Aaron Hughes this
evening as prior to the game the Association marks
his 100th international cap for Northern Ireland,
achieved against Slovakia in Trnava on 4 June,
2016. His first appearance came way back in 1998,
in a home fixture, also against Slovakia.
On behalf of the Irish Football Association I am pleased
to welcome the officials, players and supporters of Norway
to our National Football Stadium in Belfast for this evening's
FIFA World Cup 2018 Group C qualifying game.
Aaron, currently on 104 caps, has been a
magnificent servant to the Northern Ireland
national team over 19 years and a great role model
for any young person making their way in the
professional game.
His stats are amazing in that he has started 99 of
his 104 international games to date and not only
was he never sent off while playing for Northern
Ireland, he has never received a red card during his
entire career, a feat shared with Germany's Philip
Lahm and just a few others. Well done to our first
outfield centurion.
The atmosphere in the National Stadium has
been magnificent in the games so far and we look
forward to more of the same support again tonight.
I hope that you all enjoy another exciting game and
have a safe journey home.
Finally, I would like to express sympathy to the
family of Derry City captain Ryan McBride, who
passed away suddenly at the weekend. Our
thoughts are with Ryan’s family and with Derry City
Football Club, its supporters and staff at this sad
time.
David J Martin
President
Irish Football Association
www.irishfa.com3