After topping group ...now for the world champs
With just days to go to the Euro 2016 finals, ALEX KEERY looks at Northern Ireland’s chances of success in France
Northern Ireland qualified for their first ever European Championships after seeing off the likes of Greece, Romania, and Hungary.
Their reward for topping their group was a final draw alongside the World Cup champions Germany, and the Euro 2012 host nations Poland and Ukraine.
The Republic of Ireland are familiar with both Germany and Poland - all three teams came through Group D qualifying.
With seven wins, Germany topped the group, one point ahead of the Poles with the Republic finishing third and making it to France via a playoff victory.
Although it was the World Champions who topped Group D, Poland had a vastly superior goal difference, and were only beaten once. Much of their scoring came thanks to Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who lead the charts with 13 goals in qualifying. However, he did face the rather generous defences of Georgia and Gibraltar.
Ukraine's qualification wasn't so straightforward, after being forced to come through a play-off. On paper, their group looked set for them to snatch 2nd place and finish runners up to Spain. While the Spaniards did eventually win the group with an almost-perfect record, it was Slovakia who stole second, forcing Ukraine into a decider with Slovenia, who they got past 3-1.
Germany will be expected to dominate proceedings out in France, with their vastly experienced squad and an embarrassment of riches when it comes to attacking quality – but their preparations took a dent in a recent defeat to Slovakia. However, they are the World champions for a reason, and for them to finish anything other than top of the group out in France would prove to be a huge upset.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill fully believes his squad is capable of escaping the group, with a lot of the focus placed on getting the wheels moving by collecting points in that first game with Poland on June 12th.
Ukraine will come next, followed by the final showdown with Germany – although O’Neill is hopeful Northern Ireland’s place in the next round will already be secure heading into the match in Paris.
This year’s European Championship boasts an increased roster of 24 teams and as a result, it’s possible for teams who finish third to progress from the group.
The usual format will be in place, whereby the top two teams from each of the six groups will go through – but the four best teams who’ve finished 3rd will also make it to the last 16 phase, meaning it’s possible to qualify with three or four points.
Alex will be reporting from France during the Euros and covering Northern Ireland’s Group C matches