Northern Ireland v Switzerland 08SEPT

If we want to give ourselves a chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup then we must obtain a positive result against Switzerland tonight.

The 4-1 win over Lithuania last week has put our campaign in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 European Qualifying Group C back on track following the defeat to Italy and draw against Bulgaria back in the spring. However, I believe a positive result tonight against a very strong Swiss team is required to really put us in the hunt . I am confident we can maintain the momentum derived from the game in Vilnius and the 1-0 friendly win against Estonia in Tallinn on Sunday. Despite being without a number of senior players in this international window we have acquitted ourselves well . I am pleased with the depth in our squad. Prior to the Lithuania game I urged the younger players in particular to show their mettle – and they certainly did that . And each and every one of the players selected to face Switzerland will also be asked to perform at the top of their game. If they can do that then I believe we can get the desired result tonight . Both Italy and Switzerland have dropped points over the past week and that opens the door for us to force our way into the mix for a play-off spot at the very least . Ideally we have to win our home games to maintain pressure on the teams seeded one and two in Group C. The game against Lithuania once again showed that if we believe in ourselves and produce the intensity then we will get our rewards.

To get the result required a real team performance, with everyone pulling their weight . After weathering Lithuania’s initial pressure we managed the first half very well . The front two set the tone for a high energ y, positive display backed up ably by the running power and guile of our midfield three. Both wing backs gave us pace and deliveries to trouble their backline, and the concentration of our defenders and goalkeeper ensured we were solid at the back. In the second half, after an expected period of pressure from the home side, when we conceded the goal , things could have got tricky, however we managed the situation very well to get back on top and ultimately win the game. Both myself and the players are thrilled that the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park will be almost full for this game. We have badly missed the vocal support of the Green and White Army over the past year and I can’t wait to lead my team out into the stadium in front of 16,000 fervent supporters. I have not experienced that as Northern Ireland manager before and it will be a proud moment for me. I am confident we can give you, the fans, something to cheer about tonight . IAN BARACLOUGH NORTHERN IRELAND MANAGER

IRISHFA.COM

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