Conor Bradley delivered a standout performance as Northern Ireland sealed a 2-0 victory over Slovakia in Friday’s World Cup qualifier. The Liverpool right-back dominated the game with his relentless pressing and attacking runs. This result keeps Michael O’Neill’s side level on points with both Germany and Slovakia at the halfway stage of Group A.
Although O’Neill preferred not to single anyone out, the praise for Bradley flowed. Trai Hume, who netted the second goal, declared, “Conor Bradley was the best player on the pitch by a mile, in my opinion.” Midfielder Shea Charles added that his teammate’s display was “unbelievable.”
Bradley, just 22, was earning his 28th cap and captaining Northern Ireland for the third time. His aggressive runs and sharp link-up with Ethan Galbraith set the tone early. In the 18th minute, their clever combination forced an own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky, giving Northern Ireland the lead.
Suspension Clouds a Brilliant Performance
Bradley’s superb night had one major downside. A tackle on Lukas Haraslin in the 76th minute brought a yellow card, his second of the qualifying campaign. As a result, the influential defender will miss the upcoming clash against Germany.
O’Neill was visibly frustrated by the decision. He said, “There were worse tackles in the game and one just before that was particularly poor on Isaac Price that the referee let go. To produce a yellow card for that was disappointing.” Former international Stuart Dallas admitted Bradley “gave the referee a decision to make” but felt the call was harsh.
Despite his absence, the team remains focused. Hume explained, “We spoke before the game about the boys who were on yellows trying not to get one, but it’s one of those things. You can’t go into a game trying not to get booked. You’ve got to play to your strengths. He’s full throttle. He’s 100% all the time.”
With no like-for-like replacement, Oxford United’s Brodie Spencer is expected to step in at right wing-back. Hume added, “Obviously Conor is going to be a big miss, but we’re a big group, we’re a strong team and we’re all together. It’s something we have to deal with and we’ll be ready.”
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