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13/02/2003
'Proud' McIlroy promises goals after Finn defeat
Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy has said that goals will come despite his side slipping to another defeat without scoring.
McIlroy spoke of how 'proud' he was in his players, but could not hide his disappointment as the national team were defeated 1-0 by Finland at Windsor Park in Belfast last night – and in doing so failed to score in their sixth successive game.
Speaking after last night's friendly, McIlroy said goals would come, but added: "Whether I am here or not, I don't know… At the end of the day I came here to change results, and I haven't.
"I take every defeat personally and I get more frustrated than anyone… When you get the fans turning up and chanting your name and supporting you, you feel really proud. This result has totally devastated me. Never mind it was a friendly - there is no such thing in my book."
The breakthrough in last night's game came just after half-time when Liverpool's Sami Hyypia netted after Roy Carroll parried a Shefki Kuqi header. While Northern Ireland came close to scoring on at least five different occasions they where either thwarted by the woodwork or by some outstanding saves from Finnish goalkeeper Juusi Jaaskelainen.
Northern Ireland's next games are the back-to-back Euro 2004 qualifiers against Armenia and Greece in March and April respectively.
(MB)
McIlroy spoke of how 'proud' he was in his players, but could not hide his disappointment as the national team were defeated 1-0 by Finland at Windsor Park in Belfast last night – and in doing so failed to score in their sixth successive game.
Speaking after last night's friendly, McIlroy said goals would come, but added: "Whether I am here or not, I don't know… At the end of the day I came here to change results, and I haven't.
"I take every defeat personally and I get more frustrated than anyone… When you get the fans turning up and chanting your name and supporting you, you feel really proud. This result has totally devastated me. Never mind it was a friendly - there is no such thing in my book."
The breakthrough in last night's game came just after half-time when Liverpool's Sami Hyypia netted after Roy Carroll parried a Shefki Kuqi header. While Northern Ireland came close to scoring on at least five different occasions they where either thwarted by the woodwork or by some outstanding saves from Finnish goalkeeper Juusi Jaaskelainen.
Northern Ireland's next games are the back-to-back Euro 2004 qualifiers against Armenia and Greece in March and April respectively.
(MB)
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Sammy McIlroy's job as Northern Ireland manager was in doubt today following last night's 2-0 defeat by Greece in Belfast. Although Sammy's team had two men sent off thanks to what the crowd considered to be some dubious refereeing decisions, it is now 792 playing minutes since Northern Ireland scored a goal and 17 months since the side won.
McIlroy's job in question following Greek defeat
Sammy McIlroy's job as Northern Ireland manager was in doubt today following last night's 2-0 defeat by Greece in Belfast. Although Sammy's team had two men sent off thanks to what the crowd considered to be some dubious refereeing decisions, it is now 792 playing minutes since Northern Ireland scored a goal and 17 months since the side won.
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Spain arrive in Belfast for Euro 2004 qualifier
World Cup quarter-finalists, Spain arrived in Belfast today to prepare for Wednesday's Euro 2004 qualifying fixture against Sammy McIlroy's Northern Ireland. The Spanish will be looking to redress Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Greece, a result that has left Group Six wide open.
Spain arrive in Belfast for Euro 2004 qualifier
World Cup quarter-finalists, Spain arrived in Belfast today to prepare for Wednesday's Euro 2004 qualifying fixture against Sammy McIlroy's Northern Ireland. The Spanish will be looking to redress Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Greece, a result that has left Group Six wide open.
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Rory McIlroy Suffers WGC Defeat
Rory McIlroy has been knocked out in the opening round of the WGC Match Play in Arizona. The world number one lost on the final green to fellow Irishman Shane Lowry. Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood were also knocked out on Thursday. McIlroy changed club and ball suppliers from Titleist to Nike at the start of this year in a big money deal.
Rory McIlroy Suffers WGC Defeat
Rory McIlroy has been knocked out in the opening round of the WGC Match Play in Arizona. The world number one lost on the final green to fellow Irishman Shane Lowry. Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood were also knocked out on Thursday. McIlroy changed club and ball suppliers from Titleist to Nike at the start of this year in a big money deal.
04 June 2003
McIlroy positive despite tenth defeat in a row
Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy was today reflecting on a tenth successive defeat for his side after a 2-0 loss in Italy last night.
McIlroy positive despite tenth defeat in a row
Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy was today reflecting on a tenth successive defeat for his side after a 2-0 loss in Italy last night.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
