FT: Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (19:45)
Hrosovsky turns Galbraith's cross into his own net to open the scoring
Hume scores first international goal with fine lob
Bradley picks up yellow card and is suspended for Germany game
Watch on the BBC iPlayer and listen to BBC Radio Ulster at top of page
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
The anthems are done and we're going to take a moment before kick off to remember four Northern Ireland legends who have passed away this year.
Peter McParland, star of the 1958 World Cup, Willie Irvine, Willie McFaul and Jimmy Nicholson will all be remembered at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Stuart Dallas
Former Northern Ireland midfielder on BBC Two NI and iPlayer
This is a young team who are fearless and are growing with every match.
If they can get a result tonight, they put themselves in a great position.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Jim Magilton
Former Northern Ireland midfielder on BBC Radio Ulster
Dan has been outstanding since his debut. He is crucial to Sunderland, has shown fantastic leadership qualities and that is a big plus having him back. Defending set-pieces will be big too, that Slovakia team is massive.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
IBF world welterweight champion Lewis Crocker is at the game tonight, a month on from his own memorable night at Windsor Park.
He's hoping for another special night, this time for Northern Ireland on their quest to reach the World Cup.
Image source, Press EyeNorthern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
David Healy
Northern Ireland's record men's goalscorer on BBC iPlayer
Even walking through Midgley to get here, the supporters are queueing to get in. They are excited, we are excited and we are all looking forward to it.
I believe if we play anywhere near the levels we can do, especially what we have done over the last number of months, this a game we can win tonight.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
We haven't even kicked off, so I'll let my optimistic side take over and agree with Phil on this one for now.
C'mon the Northern Ireland fans. The best on the world! Looking forward to a great win tonight!
Phil
As a Northern Irish fan I can see a Slovak win here unless we pull something out of the hat which is possible as we have already seen. Isaac Price hatrick?
Lugh
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Jim Magilton
Former Northern Ireland midfielder on BBC Radio Ulster
I think this is a must win for Northern Ireland on a night like this especially with the next game they have. A win would really set them up.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Here come the teams in Belfast on what could be a big, big night.
You can see Conor Bradley and Northern Ireland from space with those white tracksuit tops.
They are brightttttt.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI senior journalist at Windsor Park
Speaking to BBC NI yesterday afternoon, NI boss Michael O'Neill said he would only believe that Slovakia's key men Stanislav Lobatka and David Hancko would not feature when they were absent for the anthems.
We haven't quite reached that stage at Windsor Park but the pair are absent from the official teamsheet anyway...
How big an impact will that have on the game tonight?
Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell, Bradley (capt), Hume, McNair, Ballard, Devenny, McCann, S Charles, Galbraith, Price, Reid.
Subs: Hazard, Southwood, Toal, Saville, Marshall, D Charles, Donley, Smyth, McConville, Spencer, Magennis, McDonnell.
Slovakia: Dubravka, Obert, Skinrar (capt), Satka, Gyomber, Bero, Duda, Hrosovsky, Sauer, Strelec, Schranz.
Subs: Rodak, Takac, Pekaric, Mesik, Bozenik, Benes, Tupta, Kozlovsky, Haraslin, Rigo, Duris, Mraz.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
David Healy
Northern Ireland's record men's goalscorer on BBC Two NI and iPlayer
Overall Michael O'Neill's tenure, since he has been back, the excitement is back and the buzz is back.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Sweet Caroline is blasting out of the PA system.
That can only mean one thing. We're not too far away from kick-off.
How are the nerves? Let us know by clicking 'Get Involved' at the top of the page.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesHere's more from Stuart Dallas on his BBC Sport column, this time on the heartbreak of the Euro 2020 play-off defeat by Slovakia and why he doesn't think that will play a part tonight.
The last time Slovakia came to Windsor Park almost five years ago they ended our dreams of reaching Euro 2020.
Fans will feel like we owe them something given the heartbreak of that defeat, but that narrative isn't there with this group of players.
There has been such a youthfulness in Michael O'Neill's squad that I don't think memories of that game will be a factor.
Slovakia have grown as a nation over the last number of years and have competed in major tournaments. That's where Northern Ireland want to get to, and there's no reason they can't get there.
Nobody would have expected Slovakia to beat Germany, but that shows the level they are at. It will be a tough game, but at home it is a fantastic opportunity to make a statement.
It is exciting to watch Northern Ireland, but they have got to be really hard to beat at home and they have a lot of players who enjoy playing football, that's really important. Hopefully they can go and show that.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI senior journalist
Image source, Getty Images"If you've got bitterness and resentment in football, then it'll eat you up inside."
Just three managers have taken the Northern Ireland men's team to a major tournament.
Peter Doherty, Billy Bingham and current boss Michael O'Neill are all lauded as legends in the country for guiding the side to either the World Cup or European Championships.
But for the width of the post, that trio would be a quartet.
Ian Baraclough was in only his sixth game in charge of Northern Ireland when he led the side into a Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia at Windsor Park.
After advancing to the game thanks to a penalty shootout victory away to Bosnia-Herzegovina, further late heroics looked in store when Kyle Lafferty fired goalward from distance in the 90th minute.
The striker, who was playing just a week after the passing of his sister, instead saw his effort hit the outside of the upright and bounce tamely to safety.
Slovakia, who return to Belfast on Friday night for a 2026 World Cup qualifier, went on to secure their place at Euro 2020 through Michal Duris' scruffy goal 10 minutes from the end of the second period of extra time.
"The width of a post is what can change outcomes and what can change careers, isn't it?" Baraclough says.
"Moments in that game stick with me, you know? It came off Jonny Evans' backside for their winner, as well.
"You look back at that game and I feel as though we should have won. What could have been? But there you go."
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Image source, Press EyeThere's a little bit of history here.....
Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching Euro 2020 were ended as Slovakia scored deep into extra time to win their play-off final at Windsor Park.
The home side had equalised in dramatic style when defender Milan Skriniar put the ball into his own net with two minutes of normal time left to cancel out Juraj Kucka's early opener.
Substitute Kyle Lafferty then nearly won it for Northern Ireland when his long-range effort hit the post in the 90th minute.
But the game went to extra time and Michal Duris, on from the bench, made the most of a lucky ricochet to score Slovakia's winner in the 110th minute.
The win took Slovakia though to their second consecutive Euro finals and prevented Northern Ireland from repeating their feat from 2016.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Image source, Press EyeFinal preparations are taking place as we edge closer to kick off. Windsor Park is filling up nicely.
Image source, Press EyeNorthern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
BBC Sounds
If you are out and about, you will also be able to listen to radio coverage live on Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds from 19:30 BST.
Joel Taggart will be joined by George McCartney with World Cup veteran John O'Neill alongside Michael Clarke on commentary.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Tonight's match between Northern Ireland and Slovakia will be live on BBC Two across the UK, BBC One NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website from 19:30 BST.
Former NI internationals Gerry Armstrong, David Healy and Stuart Dallas will be the analysts for the game.
Stephen Craigan will be alongside Thomas Kane in the commentary box.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia
Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI senior journalist at Windsor Park
Blaring over the PA as the players go through their warm-up is 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
Well, while there's still a bit of distance to run in this World Cup qualifying group, there's no doubt that this one feels like a potential tipping point in the campaign.
After Northern Ireland held serve in their opening two games, a win here would have the GAWA dreaming of a summer spent in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Defeat, however, and more than a few will be looking at wrapping their head around those permutations for Nations League winners again.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Image source, Press EyeHere's more from Stuart Dallas in his BBC Sport column on the leadership within Northern Ireland's squad.
Michael is building something really special. We don't want to put too much pressure on this squad but hopefully they can go and get a result.
This group is young but they are growing together, and you can see that in Michael's approach to leadership.
Michael isn't in any rush to name an outright captain and he's shared it around a number of players such as Trai Hume, Conor Bradley, Shea Charles and Paddy McNair.
I agree with that approach and he's asking questions of each individual, and getting responsibility from players who can all bring something a bit different. He is giving different players responsibilities and that can really help the group overall.
When I was at Leeds United, although we had a club captain we had a leadership group which worked really well because everyone brings their own ideas and experiences, which help in different ways.
Each player has different leadership skills. For some that is leading on the pitch, and for others it's away from it or the experience they bring.
Michael had full-time captains in the past with Steven Davis and Jonny Evans, but this group is different and it's a good thing for them.
I've been fortunate to have played at Windsor Park when it is full and the place is rocking.
The fans at Windsor Park will have a big role to play and they can be a driving force.
They urge you on that last bit and that will be vital for this young squad in the key moments as they don't have a huge amount of experience in the biggest games.
They can help give you the belief that you can go and achieve a big result. Michael will be aware of that as well, and the fans also realise that he is building a special team.
It is a huge game, and they now have a chance to go and lay down a marker for the rest of the campaign.
Northern Ireland v Slovakia (19:45 BST)
Image source, BBC SportIt is the biggest game for Northern Ireland in years.
Slovakia have had a great start to their campaign with two wins, and that is what makes Friday's qualifier so huge.
People will naturally look to the Germany game, and both matches are big in their own right, but given what is at stake tonight you cannot look past those 90 minutes.
At the start of the campaign you would have expected Germany to run off into the distance, but Slovakia's win over the Germans in the opening game changed the landscape.
Given how things have started, if Northern Ireland can win on Friday and give Germany a game on Monday then the race for top spot in the group is blown wide open.
It will be a tough test for Northern Ireland but it is a good opportunity to go and show that they are more than capable of competing at this level.
A full house at Windsor Park will have the stadium rocking and I fully expect Northern Ireland to give a good account of themselves.
If they can do that, then the second game will take care of itself. When one of the powerhouses of European football come to Belfast it is a fantastic occasion for everyone, and we know what is at stake at this stage.
Watch: Northern Ireland outclass Slovakia at Windsor Park
At a glance
Patrik Hrosovsky turns into his own goal to give Northern Ireland lead in 18th minute
Sunderland defender Trai Hume scores hosts' second nine minutes from time
Michael O'Neill's side and Germany join Slovakia on six points in Group A as four-time World Cup winners beat Luxembourg
Liverpool's Conor Bradley will miss Monday's game against Germany after second-half booking
Trai Hume's first international goal sealed Northern Ireland's 2-0 win over Slovakia in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park.
With the visitors having won both their opening games in Pool A, Michael O'Neill's side could ill afford to lose any more ground before Germany's visit to Belfast on Monday, and they duly joined Slovakia on six points after a goal in each half.
An own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky opened the scoring after 18 minutes before Sunderland defender Hume netted with nine minutes remaining from a fine looping strike.
Northern Ireland started brightly but genuine chances had been limited before a neat exchange of passes between Conor Bradley and Ethan Galbraith sent the Swansea City midfielder charging towards the byeline, with a squared ball deflected into his own net by Hrosovsky.
As the hosts continued to press, Jamie Reid had a golden chance to double the lead 10 minutes before half-time, but the Stevenage forward blasted high and wide on his weaker foot after the ball broke his way six yards from goal.
Slovakia had to wait until the 52nd minute for their first real chance of the game when Middlesbrough forward David Strelec's cross was headed goalwards by Matus Bero, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell was able to palm the effort away having chased back into his net.
At the other end, Reid had a goal chalked off for offside after he diverted Shea Charles' curling effort beyond Martin Dubravka, but Slovakia were coming more and more into the game.
Strelec spurned a great chance for an equaliser when he rolled a shot just wide when put through by substitute Tomas Rigo, before Hume's composed lob over Dubravka from outside the penalty area ensured a key three points for Northern Ireland.
In the night's other game in Group A, four-time World Cup winners Germany beat 10-man Luxembourg 4-0 in Sinsheim.
Captain Joshua Kimmich scored twice with David Raum and Serge Gnabry also on target against opposition who had Dirk Carlson sent off after 20 minutes.
Since his return to the Northern Ireland dugout in 2022, Michael O'Neill has time and time gone back to the theme of the level where his squad play their club football.
To see four of his panel make Premier League debuts over the past 12 months has certainly been a source of encouragement for the manager, while Conor Bradley's top-flight quality was clear throughout.
O'Neill's all-Championship midfield, however, were crucial in exerting control across an especially impressive first half.
With the return of defender Brodie Spencer to the squad after missing out last month through injury, there could have been the temptation to start the Oxford United man down the left flank and allow Crystal Palace's Justin Devenny to feature in his more natural midfield position.
O'Neill opted against the change and was rewarded with Shea Charles, Ali McCann and Galbraith keeping possession and putting their side on the front foot throughout the opening 45 minutes.
While Slovakia clearly missed Napoli's Stanislav Lobotka in the middle of the park, Northern Ireland's superiority there set a real platform, with the link between Galbraith and the brilliant Bradley down the right proving particularly dangerous. It was no surprise when that combination forced the opening goal after 18 minutes.
Such was Northern Ireland's dominance during the first half, Slovakia did not have a single touch in the opposition box, with the only blight of the opening 45 minutes for the hosts being their failure to find a second goal.
There were certainly times during the second period when that looked like it might prove costly, most especially when Strelec was put clean through, but he rolled his effort inches past the post.
Northern Ireland have proven resolute during this seven-game unbeaten streak at Windsor Park and have still conceded just once during the run.
After Hume's 81st-minute effort took the sting from the final minutes, Northern Ireland fans began to chant of winning the group. At the halfway stage of this six-game qualifying group, a first World Cup in 40 years remains the target.
Northern Ireland: Michael O'Neill's side are back in Belfast on Monday night (19:45 BST) as they welcome four-time World Cup winners Germany to Windsor Park.
After last month's reverse in Cologne, Northern Ireland have lost their past 10 meetings against their next opponents.
Conor Bradley will miss the game after picking up a booking against Slovakia.
Slovakia: Kicking off at the same time on Monday night, Slovakia return home for a first time since their surprise victory over Germany when they host Luxembourg in Trnava.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| |
4 Luxembourg | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| |
2 Kosovo | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
|
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 2 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 3 |
| |
4 Belarus | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 13 | -12 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 3 |
| |
4 Azerbaijan | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 3 |
| |
4 Bulgaria | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | -6 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| |
2 Armenia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 3 |
|
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 3 | 15 | 13 |
| |
| 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 10 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 10 |
| |
4 Lithuania | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 3 |
|
5 Malta | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 16 | -15 | 2 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 17 | 15 |
| |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 13 |
| |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
| |
4 Cyprus | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 5 |
|
5 San Marino | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 28 | -27 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 3 | 21 | 15 |
| |
| 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 9 |
| |
3 Israel | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 11 | 4 | 9 |
|
4 Estonia | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 3 |
|
5 Moldova | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 25 | -22 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 12 |
| |
| 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 4 | 13 | 11 |
| |
| 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 10 |
| |
4 Kazakhstan | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 11 | -4 | 6 |
|
5 Liechtenstein | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 23 | -23 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 15 |
| |
| 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 7 |
| |
4 Latvia | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 4 |
|
5 Andorra | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 10 | -10 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 16 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 13 |
| |
3 Faroe Islands | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 9 |
|
4 Montenegro | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 13 | -9 | 6 |
|
5 Gibraltar | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 17 | -15 | 0 |
|
Manager: Michael O'Neill
Formation: 3 - 5 - 2
Manager: Francesco Calzona
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Manager: Michael O'Neill
Formation: 3 - 5 - 2
Manager: Francesco Calzona
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
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