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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.com

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