Northern Ireland v Germany, Thurs 5th October

MANAGER’S VIEW

I was particularly pleased with the match against Czech Republic last month, not only with the 2-0 scoreline but the overall manner of the victory.

Once we went in front I felt that, while the Czechs had a lot of possession, we were never really put under severe pressure and the defence was superbly marshalled by Jonny Evans - what a player he is! Of course that result means that we will definitely finish second in Group C. While in itself that is a tremendous achievement, it does not yet guarantee us a play-off position. We still need at least a point to be sure of that, although other teams’ results elsewhere might work in our favour. Tonight we welcome the world champions to Belfast. This is the third time in just over a year that we have locked horns. For everyone involved - players, coaches, backroom staff and you the fans - playing Germany is a wonderful occasion, and being the world champions just adds to their allure. To compete against players of the quality of Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Julian Draxler remains a privileged challenge and will provide great experience for the team. In our previous two matches we have failed to score, so we will be aiming to change that tonight, however I am proud to say that we share the best defensive record in the qualifiers with the Germans, each of us having only conceded two goals (in our case against Germany!). I know it is an overworked cliché but we must deal with each match on its own merits and regardless

of the outcome of tonight’s match we have another one on Sunday against Norway in Oslo and we will remain positive to ensure that we are in the pot for the play-off draw on 17 October. Once there the rest will look after itself. This group of players deserves nothing less. Their application and endeavours (with not a little skill) have been remarkable, and having tasted the heady flavour of the Euros last summer they want to experience it again in Russia come June 2018. We are fortunate to have top quality players like Steven Davis and Jonny Evans leading this group and the others have responded brilliantly. All of us are determined to keep the qualification dream alive, and tonight we will all be drawing on the experience and lessons learnt in our previous matches versus Germany. World champions or not, I for one can’t wait to see Germany in action at the redeveloped National Football Stadium. With your spectacular support here in Belfast we can compete with anyone and I thank you for your part in our victories in San Marino and against the Czechs last month, and for your ongoing support for me personally. It is appreciated. Enjoy the game and bring it on! Michael O’Neill Northern Ireland Manager

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