Conor Bradley of Northern Ireland challenges David Hancko of Slovakia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Slovakia and Northern Irelandplaceholder image
Conor Bradley of Northern Ireland challenges David Hancko of Slovakia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Slovakia and Northern Ireland | Getty Images
A number of Liverpool star's were in action on Friday as they represented their respective countries
There was heartbreak for Liverpool star Conor Bradley and Northern Ireland on Friday night as a dramatic 1-0 loss to Slovakia ended their hopes of qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup.
Michael O’Neill’s side had given their hopes of an unlikely World Cup appearance a huge boost with a 2-0 win over Slovakia in October but they have now lost narrowly to Germany and Slovakia and will finish third in Group A once they play their final clash against Luxembourg on Monday night.
The loss to Slovakia was full of drama as the winning goal was scored by Tomas Bobcek in the 91st minute as he powered home a header from a corner. Northern Ireland were unhappy as defender Dan Ballard appeared to be pushed to the floor before the ball hit the net.
It was the third time the hosts had the ball in the net as there was some major VAR drama after Slovakia had two goals disallowed. Both goals looked completely legitimate on first look but further review ruled them out for an offside and a handball, respectively.
Northern Ireland did win their Nations League group and have secured a play-off that could still give them a spot at the World Cup.
Netherland all but qualify with draw in Poland
Elsewhere, the Netherlands have all-but qualified for next summer’s tournament after a 1-1 draw with Poland. The result left them three points above Poland with one game remaining but they have a goal difference of +19 while Poland’s is just +6.
The Netherlands host Lithuania on Monday night while Poland travel to Malta. The only way the Netherlands will fail to qualify is if they suffer a shock loss at home to Lithuania and there is a 13-goal swing between them and Poland - providing they beat Malta.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk played and forward Cody Gakpo played the full game as Jakub Kaminski and Memphis Depay scored either side of half time in the contest. Ryan Gravenberch played the majority of the match as he was subbed off in the 89th minute.
Other Liverpool stars in action
Mohamed Salah played the full game for Egypt as they lost 2-0 to Uzbekistan while Alexis Mac Allister played 85 minutes as Argentina beat Angola 2-0 in a friendly of their own.
Back in Europe, Florian Wirtz was involved as Germany beat Luxembourg 2-0. They will qualify for the World Cup if they avoid defeat against Slovakia on Monday. Both sides are on 12 points after five games but Germany have a better goal difference so only need a draw.
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