Northern Ireland vs. San Marino: Score, Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying

Northern Ireland defeated San Marino 4-0 in 2018 World Cup qualifying in a one-sided affair at Windsor Park in UEFA Group C on Saturday. 

Goals from Steven Davis, Kyle Lafferty and Jamie Ward were enough to give the home side a clear advantage, although they failed to bury a glut of chances against the minnows.

Lafferty wrapped up the result with the last kick of the game to claim the fourth of the night.

The game was the first to be played at the redeveloped stadium, which reopened with a seating capacity of 18,500.

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Northern Ireland made two changes from their goalless draw against Czech Republic on September 4. Josh Magennis and Niall McGinn came into the starting lineup to replace Lafferty and Paddy McNair.

The visitors made four changes from their defeat to Azerbaijan, as San Marino selected Fabio Vitaioli, Alessandro Della Valle, Matteo Coppini and Matteo Stefanelli for the starting XI.

OptaJoe explained the task at hand for an inferior San Marino side:

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The Irish were on the front foot in the early stages as expected, and McGinn was a menace as the hosts worked for an opening goal.

San Marino offered resistance as they attempted to provide an attacking threat, but the Irish were dominant in midfield, retaining possession.

The breakthrough came after 25 minutes when Magnennis was hauled down in the box, offering the referee no alternative but to award a penalty.

Davis stepped up to take the responsibility, and the Southampton player slotted his effort away with confidence and accuracy.

OptaJoe highlighted the captain's contributions:

Sports journalist Joshua Slack was surprised the hosts were not further in command considering the opposition on offer:

Davis went close again shortly before the half-time break. The skipper drove into the box, only to see his shot go marginally wide.

BBC Sport NI provided footage of the goalscorer as the Irish took a slim lead into the break:

Reporter Alex Keery commented Northern Ireland needed a second goal to ease any potential nerves:

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San Marino were immediately disadvantaged in the opening moments of the second half when defender Mirko Palazzi was given his marching orders for a needless second yellow card.

McGinn was once again the most likely man as he persistently found space, with San Marino losing their discipline as they lost shape, down to 10 men.

Davis continued to link up with the attack, but the captain saw his effort blast over the crossbar when he should have hit the target.

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Conor Washington came on with 25 minutes remaining, replacing Stuart Dallas in a tactical switch.

The Irish finally doubled their lead with 11 minutes left on the clock when the substitute Lafferty struck to make it 2-0. The striker found the bottom corner to put the result to bed, but Ward added a third five minutes from the final whistle.

Lafferty turned provider for Ward to claim the third of the game, and the striker grabbed his brace in the final minute to complete a good night for Northern Ireland.

Post-Match Reaction

Goalscoring heroes Ward and Lafferty spoke after the game, and the players expressed their delight at a successful night for their country, per Northern Ireland's official Twitter account:

Northern Ireland now face a stern test as they travel to Germany to play the world champions on Tuesday in Group C.