Lazovic gives Serbia narrow win over Irish

Serbia warmed up for the World Cup with a narrow 1-0 friendly win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Saturday.

The Serbians, who qualified for next year’s finals in South Africa ahead of France, snatched the only goal of a tight encounter when Danko Lazovic produced a fine finish in the second half.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington left David Healy, his country’s all-time record goalscorer, on the bench after the Sunderland striker failed to score his in last six international appearances.

The hosts had lost their last match at home to Slovakia and would have been behind again in the ninth minute if Maik Taylor hadn’t brilliantly tipped Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s shot over the bar.

Northern Ireland midfielder Niall McGinn went close when he cut inside and forced Bojan Isailovic into action for the first time.

But Manchester United winger Zoran Tosic was a constant menace and almost gave Serbia the lead with a fierce strike that Taylor pushed away.

Northern Ireland Ireland responded well and Chris Baird headed just wide before McGinn fired in a shot from an acute angle that Aleksander Lukovic nearly turned into his own net.

Serbia, who had Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic back after a calf injury, should have gone in front when Kuzmanovic broke through but he just high and wide.

The visitors took the lead in the 57th minute through Lazovic’s fine strike.

He beat Taylor from the edge of the box after a clever dummy from Gojko Kacar set him up following Tosic’s cross.

Isailovic made a stunning block to keep out Stephen Craigan’s header moments later and even Healy’s introduction couldn’t break down the obdurate Serbia defence.