Plenty of white shirts behind the ball as these Swiss defenders continue to deal with everything thrown their way. They haven't looked troubled at all through the 90 minutes, putting in an accomplished showing under pressure-filled circumstances - but they're not home-free yet.
90'
There will be four minutes added on to the end of this match.
89'
Into the final minute of the 90, and Northern Ireland's pressure has evaporated. Switzerland are seeing this out in a professional manner, as they inch toward taking a big step closer to Russia 2018.
87'
A. Mehmedi enters the game and replaces S. Zuber.
Admir Mehmedi replaces Zuber with Switzerland's final change, and the latter is in no rush to make his way off the pitch, met by a chorus of jeers from the Northern Ireland supporters.
86'
Everyone forward for Northern Ireland here as they search for an equaliser, but they have to be wary of getting caught as well, for a second away goal for Switzerland would effectively put an end to the tie. Rock, meet hard place.
84'
STAT: Two of the seven goals Switzerland conceded in the group stage of qualifying came in the 89th minute or later. Northern Ireland scored three of their 17 in stoppage-time.
83'
F. Frei enters the game and replaces B. Džemaili.
A second Swiss change sees Dzemaili give way for Fabian Frei.
82'
PENALTY APPEALS DENIED! Brunt bends a delicious delivery in for Magennis at the far post, but Rodriguez does brilliantly to stay with him all the way, breaking up the move smartly. Northern Ireland appeal for a penalty claiming a handball, but their claims were hopeful at best.
80'
Northern Ireland gearing up for a final push, and they're looking much more capable here. More importantly, though, they have this raucous support behind them again following a good spell of pressure.
Minute
Description
78'
C. Washington enters the game and replaces K. Lafferty.
Conor Washington is brought on with Northern Ireland's final change, with Lafferty the one replaced.
77'
B. Embolo enters the game and replaces H. Seferović.
Changes for both sides here as we approach the final 10 minutes. Switzerland's first swap of the night sees Breel Embolo replaced by Seferovic.
75'
STAT: Eight of Northern Ireland's 17 goals in the group phase were scored in the 75th minute or later.
73'
Not good enough! Anticipation builds as Lafferty wins his side a free-kick in a shooting position. The always capable Brunt stands over it and lines up a strike, but his effort sails a few feet wide of the top corner! They can't afford to be wasting these opportunities.
71'
Better! Finally a sign of life from Northern Ireland as Magennis heads agonisingly wide from close range. Perhaps that's the something Northern Ireland needed to build off...
69'
Switzerland are a machine at the moment, firmly in control of possession, refusing to give the hosts as much as a sniff. It's now or never for Northern Ireland, wo have to show something here to provide a bit of belief.
67'
Despite being in the lead and in control, it's Switzerland who remain on top here at Windsor Park. These home supporters are growing restless, and it's hard to blame them considering this was hyped up to be a famous night for the nation.
65'
G. Saville enters the game and replaces C. Evans.
Northern Ireland's second change sees the booked Corry Evans replaced by George Saville.
64'
STAT: Aside from their 2-0 loss to Portugal in the final qualifying match, Switzerland had won all of their previous nine qualifiers, scoring 23 and conceding just five.
62'
Pressing for a second! Seferovic takes a pass atop the box and uses the run of Shaqiri as a decoy to open up space for a shot, but his deflected effort is corralled smartly by McGovern!
60'
It's a long way back for Northern Ireland now! Down 1-0 on aggregate, and having conceded the away goal, the pressure will be on them in a big way to restore parity and at least have a result to take back with them to Basel.
58'
Penalty goal scored by R. Rodríguez for Switzerland!
SWITZERLAND HAVE THE BREAKTHROUGH! Rodriguez makes no mistake from the penalty spot, sending McGovern the wrong way to give Switzerland a massive advantage in the tie with the away goal.
57'
C. Evans gets yellow.
PENALTY TO SWITZERLAND! Their pressure has finally culminated into a real chance to break the deadlock, as Corry Evans is booked for a handball, turning aside Shaqiri's acrobatic effort from atop the penalty area! And Evans will be suspended for the return leg as a result.
56'
More concentrated pressure here from Switzerland, which leads to a shooting chance for Shaqiri as he again cuts inside on is left, but this time it is valiantly blocked. Northern Ireland have yet to clear their lines, however.
54'
STAT: You have to go all the way back to March 2013 to find the last time Northern Ireland were held goalless in a World Cup qualifying match on home soil - a 2-0 defeat to Israel. They have scored 16 in seven games at home since.
52'
J. Ward enters the game and replaces S. Dallas.
Martin O'Neill wastes no time making his first change of the night, not liking what he's seen thus far. Jamie Ward is on here in place of Dallas.
50'
After a bit of a nervy start, Zakaria has looked much more competent in midfield. He's done an excellent job partnering Xhaka, and a strong display here leads to an eventual chance for Seferovic, but the offside flag nullifies McGovern's save.
48'
Switzerland in control to start this second half, picking up where they left off in the first. Their experience on the big stage has shined through tonight, and could prove to be the difference when all is said and done.
46'
Here we go again!
CLOSE THEY'VE COME! Switzerland immediately get into attack, Rodriguez picking out Shaqiri at the far post with his cross. The winger cuts onto his left and bends one towards the top corner, beating McGovern clean, but it grazes the crossbar as it goes behind for a goal-kick!
45' +1
HALF-TIME: NORTHERN IRELAND 0-0 SWITZERLAND.
45'
There will be one minute added on at the end of this first half.
44'
There doesn't figure to be much, if any, time added on at the end of this first half. Both sides have all but closed up shop here, content on heading into the break goalless.
42'
STAT: Northern Ireland have kept four clean sheets in their five home matches in qualifying, conceding only in their 3-1 defeat to Germany (W4).
40'
Into the final five minutes of the first half and it appears as though, barring anything unforeseen, we will head goalless into the break at Windsor Park. With the exception of a couple of rare moments from Switzerland, quality has been lacking in front of goal from both sides.
38'
Dallas wins the hosts another free-kick on the left, which is played short for Lafferty, who sees his attempted cross deflected high into the air and safely into the arms of Sommer.
36'
The tempo has slowed gradually over the last 10 minutes, which was to be expected. Northern Ireland's inability to get the ball forward has translated to them putting a strong focus on defending, and the tempo has suffered as a result.
34'
Switzerland remain on top, but Northern Ireland have held strong to prevent a breakthrough. Martin O'Neill certainly will have some adjustments in mind to preach to his side at half-time, but right now their focus remains on getting into the break unscathed.
32'
STAT: Switzerland were unbeaten in 14 World Cup qualifiers away from home before their 2-0 defeat in Portugal at the end of the group stage (W11, D3).
30'
Clinical ball movement from Switzerland on the counter, as Zuber picks out Mehmedi with a nifty throughball, which leads to the striker winning a free-kick in a dangerous position on the left - Rodriguez's delivery is dealt with in the end, however.
28'
It almost seems as though nerves are playing a part here for Northern Ireland, who have completed just a third of the amount of passes as that by Switzerland. They need to figure out a way to halt the Swiss momentum and generate a bit of their own.
26'
Pressure remains concentrated on the Northern Ireland defence, as Switzerland are winning the midfield battle with ease. The hosts have been unable to keep possession when they win it back, and it's allowed the visitors to build forward time and time again.
24'
Victory is important for Northern Ireland tonight, but first and foremost they will be focused on maintaining a clean sheet. An away goal for Switzerland would drastically boost their odds of going through, especially if it's coupled with a result.
22'
Northern Ireland need to get into a better rhythm here. The match is being played much more open than what they are used to, and it's Switzerland who remain in the ascendency, continuing to attack with free reign.
20'
STAT: Northern Ireland kept seven clean sheets in World Cup 2018 qualifying; only England (8) managed more.
18'
WHAT A SAVE! First off, that is an absolutely sublime delivery over the top from Shaqiri to pick out the diagonal run of Mehmedi, who directs a first-time effort back towards the far post, but McGovern reacts superbly to get down and parry!
16'
It has been a surprisingly open start to proceedings here at Windsor Park - surprising not just because the defensive tendencies of both sides, but also the tension generated by what's at stake. We should expect the tempo to slow a bit as we creep forward in this match.
14'
Northern Ireland produce an important response after Lafferty wins them a corner. Evans rises to meet the ensuing delivery, but his header sails harmlessly over the bar.
12'
LIFTED OVER! Delightful passage of play from Zuber, who twists and turns into space on the left, leaving Davis in his dust before picking out Xhaka atop the area, but again the Arsenal midfielder fails to hit the target with his first-time effort!
10'
Switzerland are starting to get their footing in the match following an otherwise sluggish and tepid start. They're enjoying more possession inside the opposition's half, and it leads to their first chance of the night as Dzemaili slips after being teed up by a delicious pull-back, before Xhaka's follow-up drifts wide.
8'
STAT: This is the fifth meeting between these two countries, with Northern Ireland winning twice from the previous four(D1 L1).
6'
The free-kick is taken following much anticipation and deliberation, Brunt whipping an inviting cross in aimed at McAuley, but Switzerland are able to clear their lines.
5'
F. Schär gets yellow.
Tidy stuff from the hosts on the break, as Dallas capitalises on a bad giveaway from Zakaria and charges forward before being taken down hastily by Schar, who picks up an early yellow card.
3'
Prominent start from the hosts, buoyed by this rambunctious atmosphere of 18,500 strong. Lafferty leads the charge and sprays out wide for Magennis, who whips in a delicious low cross, but Switzerland are able to clear their lines. Another attack down the right proves threatening moments later, but they can't test Sommer.
1'
AND THEY'RE OFF! An incredible atmosphere to greet these two nations in Windsor Park as Northern Ireland get the match underway!
Hello and welcome to Windsor Park for live coverage of what promises to be a monumental night of football as Northern Ireland host Switzerland in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off!
Michael O’Neill has Northern Ireland dream chasing. The Green and White Army have appeared in the World Cup on just three occasions in their history, with their last appearance in the illustrious competition coming in 1986.
Unlike tonight’s hosts, Switzerland are no strangers to international football’s most prestigious competition, appearing in 10 World Cups in their history, including each of the last three – last failing to qualify in 2002.
The over 30-year drought has reached a breaking point, and Northern Ireland will be desperate to put an end to it – but they will need to put in a typically stout performance tonight at Windsor Park to give themselves a chance in advance of Sunday’s second leg in Basel.
Vladimir Petkovic’s side were on the brink of qualifying directly for Russia 2018, until Portugal snatched first place in Group B from their grasp on the final matchday, sending Switzerland into this very play-off, where a hungry and determined Northern Ireland side stand in their way.
CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
NORTHERN IRELAND (4-3-3): McGovern; McLaughlin, McAuley, J. Evans, Brunt; Norwood, C. Evans, Davis; Magennis, Dallas, Lafferty.
SUBS: Lang, Hitz, Embolo, Elvedi, Lacroix, E. Fernandes, Freuler, Burki, G. Fernandes, Gavranovic, Mehmedi, Frei.
Michael O'Neill makes just one change from the 1-0 defeat in Norway to close out the group phase. Kyle Lafferty is brought on to lead the line, replacing Conor Washington.
Vladimir Petkovic has made three changes to the side who lost in Portugal on the final matchday. Defender Manuel Akanji, midfielder Denis Zakaria and attacker Steven Zuber replace Johan Djourou, Remo Freuler and Admir Mehmedi.
Nothing to separate the two sides through 45 minutes at Windsor Park. Haris Seferovic came closest for either side, but a terrific Michael McGovern save denied the breakthrough, leaving this relatively timid match delicately poised heading into the second half of the first leg.
A Ricardo Rodriguez penalty has provided Switzerland with a foot through to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 1-0 victory at Windsor Park a deserved result for the visitors. They spent the majority of the match in complete control over a Northern Ireland side who struggled to find any sort of rhythm after limping into the play-off on the back of successive defeats.
That's all for our live coverage, thanks for following along. Goodbye!
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