and the Middle East. The Lebanon mission suffered 47 deaths. (Wikipedia) Northern Ireland holding their own against the Russians after 8 minutes . Come on the boys in black and green (my old school colours) Its the World Cup qualifiers for those who may be unaware of today's game . Greenflag -- unfortunate final result, but 2-0 is a respectable result and I was impressed by parts of the performance. Hopefully NI can push on from this and get third in the group (I just can't see Russia and Portugal failing to get though). Good luck to the Republic in pulling things round against the Kazakhs -- I guess there must still be a bit of a hangover from the summer. They should be able to push Sweden for second. Yes NI did well and can only improve . Lafferty could have done with some support up front . Narrow escape for the Republic . A goal down with a few minutes left then a penalty and a Kevin Doyle winner .I suppose travelling across five time zones and 3,000 miles takes it's toll . Still a win is a win . Not too confident about pushing the Swedes for second place .The Swedes were by far the best of the first round exiters in the Europeans and I thought they were unlucky not to qualify for the next round . NI have to win their home games this time around to have any chance ditto the Republic . The