IFA Programme 2016

“Germany were very good and I thought they caused us a lot of problems. They’re world champions, a very good side, and the way they can control games in possession makes it very difficult for you.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Jonny Evans in conversation with The Sun following the group game against the Germans

“It was a very difficult game. Poland were excellent. We have to be honest and say the better team won on the day.” Michael O’Neill speaking to the Belfast Telegraph after the loss to Poland

“Michael McGovern’s performance was up there with the great Northern Ireland goalkeeping performances of the past. Reaching the last 16 is an incredible achievement and we deserve to be there.” Michael O’Neill speaking to the Belfast Telegraph after the loss to Germany “It’s huge. Our ambition coming into the tournament was to progress and we’re delighted. We faced three very tough games, but the way we played I don’t think we can have any regrets. We gave it our all.” Steven Davis in The Mirror is ecstatic on clinching a spot in the Round of 16

“It’s not how we’ve played in recent times and to be honest it felt a bit like a game from four or five years ago when it was just backs to the wall the whole time.” Steven Davis reflecting on the game shortly after the disappointing defeat against Poland (Irish News) “Nobody has given us a chance. Lots of people said we wouldn’t get a point. We weren’t at it against Poland - to our standards, the intensity we wanted to play at - but tonight was a lot better. It’s special to score. It will sink in probably over the next few days.” Gareth McAuley in an interview with BBC Sport after the Ukraine game shortly after the disappointing defeat against Poland (Irish News)

“The heartbreak is part of it too. We’ve probably played the best we’ve played in the tournament today and to go out like this is cruel but it’ll make us all stronger as characters and we’ll come back stronger.” Oliver Norwood speaks to the Irish News following the agonising tournament exit against Wales

“It’s hard to put into words and absorb it all at this time. Everything good about Northern Ireland was in that stadium today.” Michael O’Neill talking to BBC Sport following the win over Ukraine

“Everyone was very quiet in the changing room. We were devastated to lose, especially the way we did. But we got ourselves together and went out to see the fans. That gave everyone a lift.” Craig Cathcart in Sunday Mirror, reflecting on the 1-0 defeat to Wales in Paris “It’s difficult. I’m gutted the way it’s ended but worse things happen in life. I’m just gutted everyone has to go home. I’m just gutted for all the lads after all the effort they put in – but I’ll take that rather than

“There is no doubt that was the best performance of my life.” Michael McGovern was on cloud nine after the Germany game (Belfast Telegraph)

one of the younger lads miss a penalty in a shootout. Maybe when I look back on it in a few weeks it might help that the player would have scored but not at the minute.” Gareth McAuley in conversation with The Sun after the Wales game