Plovdiv

In a game of few opportunities, the pitch in Plovdiv appeared to make moving the ball difficult for both sides.

Michael O'Neill's side now travel to take on Bulgaria in Sunday evening's encounter in Plovdiv.

The Bulgarians were held to a goalless draw by Belarus in their opening match, which means if Northern Ireland can get three points in Plovdiv it puts them in a strong position in Group C3.

Days later, Ali, the suspected leader, fled to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second city.

Yes, famous tournaments and championship matches have been played in New York, London and Vienna, but they have also been staged in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Reykjavik, Iceland, and Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania.