O'Neill 'positive' as NI maintain unbeaten start

What the report says

Northern Ireland stayed unbeaten in their Nations League Group B2 campaign after a 0-0 draw with Hungary at Windsor Park, a result that left Michael O’Neill’s side joint-top of the group with Ukraine on four points from two matches, according to BBC Sport Football. The match came 315 days after Northern Ireland’s previous home game at the ground.

BBC Sport reported that chances were limited in a tightly contested contest. Northern Ireland came closest when Patrick Kelly struck the crossbar and Isaac Price forced a save, while Hungary also struggled to create clear openings despite the presence of Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. Goalkeeper Pierce Charles had little to do aside from one late effort, and Northern Ireland recorded another clean sheet.

O’Neill said he felt “positive” about the performance, saying his team matched a strong opponent but did not quite produce the decisive chance needed to win. He also criticised what he saw as excessive stoppages and theatrical reactions from some Hungary players, arguing that it disrupted the flow of the game.

The draw followed Northern Ireland’s opening win over Georgia and keeps them well placed at the halfway stage of the four-match window. They now travel to face Ukraine in Slovakia on Friday, with BBC Sport noting that the group remains closely balanced and competitive.