Northern Ireland opened their Nations League campaign with a solid 2-0 triumph over Luxembourg, thanks to early goals from Paddy McNair and Daniel Ballard. The quick strikes set the tone for a dominant performance at Windsor Park, marking their first home match in nearly a year.
McNair found the net just 11 minutes into the game, capitalizing on a long throw from Ciaron Brown. After Ballard flicked the ball on, McNair was perfectly positioned near the penalty spot to hammer a shot into the left corner, scoring his seventh international goal on his 70th cap. Northern Ireland's early pressure continued to pay off as they extended their lead just six minutes later. Conor Bradley’s persistence won a battle with Dirk Carlson on the right, leading to a free-kick on the edge of the box. George Saville whipped the ball toward the near post, where Ballard was on hand to tap it in, securing his first goal at Windsor Park.
Despite their early dominance, Northern Ireland couldn't add to their tally. The closest they came before halftime was Bradley's run into the box, only for Luxembourg’s Christopher Martins to clear the danger just as the Liverpool player prepared to strike. From the resulting corner, Trai Hume’s long-range effort flew narrowly wide, though the whistle had already been blown for a foul in the build-up.
Michael O'Neill refreshed the attack at halftime, introducing veteran Josh Magennis, who earned his 80th cap. Northern Ireland nearly struck again immediately after the restart, with Isaac Price volleying wide from a cross by Hume. The hosts continued to press, with Magennis narrowly missing a cross and Hume hooking another effort wide from distance.
Jamal Lewis, who had just arrived in Belfast after sealing a loan move from Newcastle to São Paulo, replaced Callum Marshall, adding fresh legs to the side. Bradley came closest to adding a third when he broke the offside trap to latch onto Hume’s pass but dragged his shot wide when clean through on goal.
Luxembourg had few chances, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell was called into action to block a near-post header from Gerson Rodrigues off a Mathias Olesen corner. Northern Ireland’s defense had a rare scare when Peacock-Farrell collided with McNair on the edge of the box, leaving the goal exposed, but Olesen fired wide.
The match concluded with Northern Ireland still on the attack. Substitute Ross McCausland nearly grabbed his first international goal in stoppage time, but Luxembourg’s goalkeeper Anthony Moris managed to push the shot wide, preserving the 2-0 scoreline.
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