Northern Ireland beat Slovakia to keep World Cup hopes alive

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·10 October 2025

Northern Ireland beat Slovakia to keep World Cup hopes alive

Trai Hume struck his first goal for Northern Ireland as they beat Slovakia 2-0 to maintain their push in World Cup qualifying.

The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Patrik Hrosovský turned a low cross from Ethan Galbraith into his own net, rewarding Northern Ireland’s energetic start.

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Jamie Reid and Justin Devenny both went close to adding a second before half-time.

After the break, Northern Ireland kept the pressure on. Conor Bradley continued to drive forward, while appeals for a penalty for Shea Charles were turned down, and Reid was flagged offside after a close-range tap-in.

Slovakia came close themselves when David Strelec broke free but dragged his shot wide.

The points were sealed in the 80th minute when Dubravka fumbled a punch, allowing Hume to lift the ball over the keeper into an empty net.

Northern Ireland return to Windsor Park on Monday, kick-off 7.45pm, to face Germany in their next Group A qualifier.