Overview
- Tomas Bobcek scored in the first minute of eight added on, converting Laszlo Benes’s corner just minutes after coming on to seal a 1-0 win in Košice.
- Slovakia had goals by Lukas Haraslin and David Strelec ruled out before the winner, and Northern Ireland protests for a foul on Dan Ballard were rejected.
- Dan Ballard received a second yellow card in stoppage time, and Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill was booked after the final whistle.
- Northern Ireland were without several regulars through injury and suspension, prompting multiple changes to the starting lineup.
- Germany beat Luxembourg 2-0 to stay top on goal difference, Slovakia must win in Leipzig to overtake them, and Northern Ireland are already assured of a March play-off place via the Nations League after Croatia beat the Faroe Islands 3-1.