Match report

Slovakia Defeats Northern Ireland 1-0 in World Cup Qualification

Slovakia
Slovakia
1–0
FT
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Nov 14, 2025

In a tightly contested World Cup Qualification Europe match, Slovakia emerged victorious over Northern Ireland with a 1-0 win. Slovakia's late goal by T. Bobček in the 90th minute proved decisive, as Northern Ireland struggled to find an equalizer despite showing resilience throughout the match. The victory was a crucial three points for Slovakia as they aim to secure their spot in the World Cup.

Key Facts

  • • Slovakia 1–0 Northern Ireland
  • • T. Bobček scored the winning goal in the 90th minute
  • • Northern Ireland's D. Ballard received a red card in the 90th minute of extra time
  • • Slovakia used VAR to cancel a goal by D. Strelec in the 66th minute
  • • Northern Ireland made multiple substitutions, including J. Reid and Trai Hume
  • • Slovakia made several substitutions, including D. Ďuriš and L. Haraslín

Lineups

Slovakia

Formation: 3-4-3

Starting XI

  • 1 M. Dubravka (G)
  • 6 N. Gyomber (D)
  • 14 M. Skriniar (D)
  • 4 A. Obert (D)
  • 21 M. Bero (M)
  • 22 S. Lobotka (M)
  • 19 T. Rigo (M)
  • 16 D. Hancko (M)
  • 20 D. Duris (F)
  • 15 D. Strelec (F)
  • 17 L. Haraslin (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 M. Rodak
  • 23 D. Takac
  • 2 P. Pekarik
  • 3 D. Vavro
  • 5 I. Mesik
  • 7 L. Sauer
  • 8 T. Bobcek
  • 9 R. Bozenik
  • 10 L. Benes
  • 11 L. Tupta
  • 13 P. Hrosovsky
  • 18 I. Schranz

Northern Ireland

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 B. Peacock-Farrell (G)
  • 17 P. McNair (D)
  • 4 D. Ballard (D)
  • 13 R. McConville (D)
  • 5 T. Hume (M)
  • 16 B. Lyons (M)
  • 6 G. Saville (M)
  • 15 J. Devenny (M)
  • 2 C. Bradley (F)
  • 14 I. Price (F)
  • 9 D. Charles (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 C. Hazard
  • 23 L. Southwood
  • 3 J. Lewis
  • 7 T. Devlin
  • 8 C. Marshall
  • 10 J. Donley
  • 11 P. Smyth
  • 18 J. Reid
  • 19 P. Kelly
  • 20 J. McDonnell
  • 21 J. Magennis
  • 22 C. Brown

Timeline

  1. Northern Ireland
    23' Northern Ireland Card · Yellow Card
    D. Ballard

    Foul

  2. Northern Ireland
    46' Northern Ireland subst · Substitution 1
    Off: D. Charles · On: J. Reid
  3. Northern Ireland
    57' Northern Ireland Card · Yellow Card
    Trai Hume

    Foul

  4. Slovakia
    66' Slovakia Var · Goal cancelled
    D. Strelec
  5. Slovakia
    69' Slovakia subst · Substitution 1
    Off: D. Ďuriš · On: L. Sauer
  6. Slovakia
    73' Slovakia Card · Yellow Card
    N. Gyömbér

    Foul

  7. Northern Ireland
    73' Northern Ireland subst · Substitution 2
    Off: P. McNair · On: J. Magennis
  8. Northern Ireland
    78' Northern Ireland subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Unknown player · On: J. Donley
  9. Slovakia
    84' Slovakia subst · Substitution 2
    Off: T. Rigo · On: L. Bénes
  10. Slovakia
    84' Slovakia subst · Substitution 3
    Off: L. Haraslín · On: Ľ. Tupta
  11. Slovakia
    88' Slovakia subst · Substitution 4
    Off: N. Gyömbér · On: T. Bobček
  12. Slovakia
    88' Slovakia subst · Substitution 5
    Off: D. Strelec · On: R. Bozenik
  13. Northern Ireland
    90'+7 Northern Ireland subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Trai Hume · On: Ciaron Brown
  14. Northern Ireland
    90'+8 Northern Ireland Card · Yellow Card
    G. Saville

    Foul

  15. Northern Ireland
    90'+9 Northern Ireland Card · Red Card
    D. Ballard

    Foul

  16. Slovakia
    90' Slovakia Goal · Normal Goal
    T. Bobček · Assist: L. Bénes

Match Stats

Stat Slovakia Northern Ireland
Fouls 14 20
Pass Accuracy 80% 69%
Offsides 3 1
Red Cards 0 1
Total Shots 16 9
Corners 3 2
Total Passes 533 319
Yellow Cards 1 4
Blocked Shots 7 2
Shots on Target 2 2
xG 1.29 0.76
Shots off Target 7 5
Possession 62% 38%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 425 219
Shots Inside Box 9 6
Saves 2 1
Shots Outside Box 7 3

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Slovakia's goal by T. Bobček in the 90th minute secured the victory, just as Northern Ireland was reduced to ten men due to D. Ballard's red card
  • ▸ The cancellation of D. Strelec's goal by VAR in the 66th minute kept the match balanced and added tension as both teams sought to break the deadlock