Norway 1, Northern Ireland 0, Chris Brunt's own goal gave Norway victory

One of the final matches in Group C saw Norway eased past Northern Ireland at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, according to the Telegraph. It was a Chris Brunt own goal in the second half that gave Norway the lead and eventually the match winner at full-time. However, Northern Ireland started the game on a bright note, creating goal scoring opportunities, but they squandered all of them.

Lars Lagerbaeck's side was able to utilize the few chances they had in front of goal when they forced through an own goal in the seventy-first minute. Despite winning the match,

Norway is already eliminated from the qualifying series. Nevertheless, Northern Ireland head coach Michael O'Neill is proud of his side's achievement in qualifying for the World Cup playoffs. They finished as runners-up in the group with nineteen points, while Norway is fourth with thirteen points. Here are the two things observed in the match.

Michael O'Neill side controlled the game

The Green and White Army apparently held more possession on Norway's half, and they went on to create ample of goal scoring opportunities through long passes and individual efforts.

However, Michael O'Neill's side was unable to leverage on their possession, squandering clear chances. Despite making some vital substitutions in the second half, the White and Green Army couldn't find a breakthrough and were subsequently punished when Norway forced in a goal through Chris Brunt stumble. For Norway, this was the eighth victory over Northern Ireland in their ten meetings.

Northern Ireland earned World Cup playoffs

N.Ireland's place in the playoffs for Russia 2018 World Cup was confirmed by Scotland's draw with Slovenia prior to this encounter. Scotland needed a win at Slovenia to reach the playoffs, but they eventually settled for a stalemate, leaving the door wide open for the White and Green Army to come in.

However, the defeat is a blow to their hopes of being on the four seeded teams for the playoffs draw coming up on Tuesday 17 October. N.Ireland is currently ranked 20th in the FIFA world ranking, their biggest ever position in the monthly standings, but are to slip down the rankings following their defeats to Norway and Germany in their last two matches in Group C.

Notwithstanding, Michael O'Neill and his side are contented no matter the outcome of the playoffs draw as they look prepared to take on any team that comes their way. The White and Green Army last appearance in the World Cup was Mexico 1986.