It is a sign of Northern Ireland’s progress that irritation was writ large across the faces of players, supporters and the manager, Michael O’Neill, as scoreless parity was confirmed. This youthful team had already emerged as one of the fascinating tales of the Nations League.
That they were unable to breach Georgia, even with a late penalty, understandably stung, yet this has been a hugely positive window. They emerge unbeaten and atop their group. In a nod to the exertions of a four-game spell this early in the season, plus heavy travel in Northern Ireland’s case, exhaustion was obvious long before full time.
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