NI have no fear factor as Windsor awaits arrival of the Germans
O'Neill optimistic ahead of big World Cup qualifier
Last updated 5th Oct 2017
Northern Ireland have the chance to do tonight what no other team have been able to do – that is beat Germany in a World Cup qualifier.
Joachim Low’s side have never lost a qualifying game away from home.
But Michael O’Neill’s men will be all out to change that when the two teams meet later at the National Stadium at Windsor Park.
O’Neill said they had nothing to be afraid of.
“This is a game where we have everything to benefit from – we shouldn’t really fear the outcome of the game,” he said.
“The players have done the work in this group. They’ve guaranteed second spot, they’ve put themselves in a really strong position for the play offs so whatever happens in this game it’ll not take away from the campaign we’ve had. It can only enhance it.”
Northern Ireland have already secured second spot in Group C and a point will see them safely into the play-offs.
O’Neill said this meant they can simply go out and enjoy the occasion.
“It is a great game for us because we have got the points on the board – the hard work in many ways has been done,” he said.
“That’s the way we have to approach it so we are approaching it with a sense of optimism rather than anything else.”
Germany have a perfect eight wins out of eight record in the group.
They do go into the game, however, without their talisman goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and key stars such as Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and 2014 World cup final goalscorers Mario Goetze.
O’Neill added: “I think Germany are the strongest team in Europe, arguably the world. The players they have coming into their squad seem to adapt to international football very quickly.
“Germany have a very attacking approach - you have to then have weaknesses defensively, potentially. We've looked at how they've lost goals, maybe from overplaying at the back, lapses in concentration, little things that we have to look to exploit as well.
“We're under no illusion, we're not going to come in and suddenly have 60 per cent of the ball, there's no point preparing as if we are.
We know the areas where we believe we can hurt Germany. It will need a massive performance and some fine individual moments to win the game.''
Meanwhile, Steven Davis said they could take nothing for granted in tonight’s game.
“Football is a funny game and it is going to be very difficult against a team that constantly test you,” he said.
“It is going to be physically and mentally draining. We obviously need a lot of things to go for us but you have to go into it with a mentality and belief that you can win the game.
“And we are going to give it a right go.”