Northern Ireland start with defeat
Updated 19.15 Sat Sep 06 2008
Goals from defender Martin Skrtel and midfielder Marek Hamsik have given Slovakia a 2-1 home win over Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifier.
Liverpool's Skrtel opened the scoring in the 46th minute when he headed past visiting keeper Maik Taylor after Marek Sapara's free kick from the left.
Liverpool's Skrtel opened the scoring in the 46th minute when he headed past visiting keeper Maik Taylor after Marek Sapara's free kick from the left
Hamsik put the home side further ahead in the 70th minute to put Slovakia well on their way to their first win under new coach Vladimir Weiss.
Northern Ireland pulled one back when Slovak defender Jan Durica scored an own goal in the 81st minute but came away from their Group Three opener empty-handed.
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
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