Northern Ireland v Czech Republic

PRESIDENT’S

WELCOME

There are now only three games to play in our

quest for a much wanted play-off place and

tonight we play the tie billed as the defining

game for both countries in the current

campaign.

It was identified as such away back when the

draw for the group stages was made and,

while Baku perhaps eclipses it, there is no

doubting the importance of this fixture.

The results on Friday mean that Northern

Ireland go into the game with a seven-point

advantage and look to kick on towards the

final two fixtures and the play-offs. However,

Czech Republic will be attempting to get their

qualification hopes back on course with a win -

so it makes for an exciting 90 minutes.

Since 2001 there have been five matches

between Northern Ireland and Czech Republic,

all in World Cup Qualifying, including the drawn

game in Prague last September. In total there

have been three 0-0 draws and two wins for

On behalf of the Irish Football Association I am pleased

to welcome the officials, players and supporters of Czech

Republic to Northern Ireland and in particular to our National

Football Stadium in Belfast for this evening's FIFA World Cup

2018 Group C qualifying match.

Czech Republic, the victories coming home

and away in qualification for World Cup 2002.

Since that fantastic last minute strike by Stuart

Dallas in Baku on 10 June there has been

much excitement and anticipation among the

Northern Ireland football following as they

looked forward to the games in San Marino

and the one tonight.

The atmosphere in the National Stadium for

all our games provides a wonderful experience

for our players and supporters and we look

forward to more of the same again this

evening.

I hope that you all enjoy another exciting game

and have a safe journey home.

David J Martin

President

Irish Football Association