As part of the celebrations surrounding the 125th year of the IFA, Northern Ireland have lined up a match against Portugal at Windsor Park next month. There was some wrangling over a dispute on TV coverage between the two FAs (no details as to how this was resolved) but the match has been confirmed for Tuesday 15th November, 24 hours ahead of the date originally pencilled in.

Jim Boyce spoke of a 'special relationship' between the FAs being responsible for bringing Portugal to Belfast.

"Portugal could have commanded five times the deal they are getting from us by going to the United Arab Emirates. They are coming here thanks to a special relationship we've forged with the Portuguese FA."
Jim Boyce, IFA President

Follow up:

I also noticed today over at the Northern Irish Magyar a post Paul had written following the Austria match where he mentioned an email from the Austrian Police to the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs (via the IFA).

The members of my unit and me really appreciated the attitude and behaviour of your supporters:

they showed that it is possible to have fun, have a few, o.k. let's say many beers ;-)) show pride and support for their team and nation, all of these without being aggressive and/or violent or show arrogance and ignorance for Vienna's inhabitants.

Football supporters would have a much better reputation, if they all would behave like your's.

Ernst Albrecht, Commander of the Viennese Anti-Riot-Unit (WEGA)

Since the local media will almost undoubtedly ignore these comments since they don't mention anything which could be twisted and blown out of all proportion to suggest sectarianism in the ranks, I want to offer my own congratulations and appreciation to all the supporters who went to Austria to attend the match. You've done us all proud; I only wish I could have been there too.

Green And White Army!