For Northern Ireland fans, the novelty of seeing their team in every Euro 2016 preview guide and broadcast on every media outlet probably hasn’t worn off. It’s taken the Green and White Army 14 qualification campaigns, dating back to 1964, to finally earn their spot among Europe’s elite, and unsurprisingly they’re enjoying every step of the ride.
Progressing out of a group which lacked stellar names shouldn’t be looked down upon as finishing above Romania and Hungary is no mean feat. Michael O’Neill’s team won’t travel to France just to make up the numbers but it will still be an, ‘I was there moment’ for management, playing staff and fans alike.
Since taking over in 2011, O’Neill has led his side up the FIFA rankings from 96 to their current all time high of 26, and confidence within the camp has never been higher with ‘Dare to Dream’ becoming their adopted motto. There’s not too many selection issues for the coach to contend with either given the fact they will chiefly rely on the tried and trusted members who got them to the tournament. The draw hasn’t exactly been kind to them, though given their lack of pedigree they wouldn’t have expected anything less. Germany, fresh from a World Cup win two years ago and no doubt still reeling from their semi-final exit at Euro 2012, is a monster hurdle to overcome, while Poland and Ukraine possess a number of dangerous individuals.
But then the lack of expectation will undoubtedly be a considerable help. After all, this is Northern Ireland’s first tournament trip in 30 years. It’s been a long old road since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, their last major tournament. It’s a throwback to the days of Pat Jennings, Sammy Mcllroy and Norman Whiteside – and now’s the time for new heroes to be made.
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STRENGTHS
O’Neil’s men certainly go into the tournament with no fear or expectation but with a bucket load of momentum after an 11-match unbeaten run, dating back to last year. They are a well-drilled outfit and have good seasoned professionals throughout the squad, with a defensive unit compromising the likes of Jonny Evans, Paddy Mc-Nair, Craig Cathcart and Gareth McAuley which boasts plenty of Premier League experience.
WEAKNESSES
Kyle Lafferty aside and an occasional Steven Davis goal, Northern Ireland will find it hard to score. The squad is totally inexperienced as far as tournament football goes and, beyond a few key individuals, is drawn mainly from lower league football, so the overall quality, unfortunately, is lacking.
STAR MAN – STEVEN DAVIS
A model of consistency for both club and country, Davis has probably been playing the best football of his career in his 30s. A brilliant on-field leader who has represented his country for more than a decade now and will relish being able to show off his understated qualities on the continental stage. His hard working and industrious style can often overshadow his ball-playing ability, as Davis sets the tempo for which the rest of the team follow.
VERDICT
The Green and White will do well to advance through to the second round so will have to focus firstly on giving a good account of themselves and secondly trying to force a shock against one of the big boys.
