Slovakia VS Northern Ireland

Under the guidance of Francesco Calzona,formerly an assistant to Maurizio Sarri,Slovakia opened their qualifying campaign with an impressive victory over Germany. Yet their momentum faltered in Belfast, where a costly defeat allowed the Germans to reclaim control at the summit of Group A. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have revitalised their prospects with important wins over Slovakia and Luxembourg, placing themselves firmly in contention for a top-two finish and a potential playoff berth. Despite this progress, the Green and White Army have endured narrow and frustrating losses to Germany, matches in which they competed admirably but ultimately fell short.