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With Azerbaijan facing Germany and the Czech
Republic travelling to San Marino today, a clearer
picture is likely to emerge heading into the second
half of the campaign.
And while the Germans are nailed-on favourites
to win the pool, Ward is confident Northern
Ireland can secure second place and seal a
potential play-off route to Russia.
He said: “You have to expect everyone in the
group is going to lose to Germany so it's about
taking points off those teams you're going to be
in a battle with for second.
“At the moment it looks like it's going to be us,
the Czech Republic and Norway fighting for that
runners-up spot so it's important we pick up
points against those teams.
“With a bit of luck it might come down to
ourselves and the Czech Republic. The Czechs
still have to come to Belfast in September so it
could be a very exciting run-in.
“If we perform the way we have been doing during
the last two and a half years I firmly believe we
have a chance to get to the play-offs at least.
“It was a fantastic experience playing at the
Euros in France and there's a determination in the
squad to reach another major tournament.”
While Northern Ireland are unbeaten in their last
seven qualifiers at home, Ward is taking nothing
for granted against a Norway side seeking a
revival under new boss Lars Lagerback.
The wily Swede, who led Iceland to the last eight
of Euro 2016, was appointed at the start of last
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