Kyle Lafferty claims Northern Ireland have one of Euro 2016’s best defences and believes they will be a tough opponent in the knockout stages.
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The qualifying system in the new 24-team format may have been confusing, but Turkey’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic meant Northern Ireland would be one of the four best third-placed finishers.
“It’s surreal”, O’Neill told the BBC.
“If people are upset at how we play, the nature of how we played, then I don’t really care to be honest. What we went through tonight will prepare you for anything in the next round, our players will be ready for whoever”.
Only a slew of saves from Michael McGovern prevented Northern Ireland from suffering a thrashing and McAuley came off the pitch fully appreciative of the world champions’ brilliance.
The margin of victory might have been a lot more handsome but for an inspired display from Irish goalkeeper Michael McGovern, as Germany’s attacking talents – on the back of a limp 0-0 draw against Poland last week – clicked into gear during a superb first-half showing.
Despite the defeat by England, Wales finished top of Group B thanks to their victory over Russian Federation and England’s goalless draw with Slovakia – giving Coleman’s side a favourable draw for the knockout stages.
In a post on Twitter after the game Dons winger McGinn said “What an achievement from this group of players…”
“The game (against Northern Ireland) comes after probably the right amount of time”, said Taylor. With three goals already, Gareth Bale is the man Northern Ireland will fear, while Michael O’Neill’s men will need another classy performance from midfielder Steven Davis when the nations clash in Paris on Saturday.
“If we were going to lose this game that’s the best defeat we could have had”, added O’Neill.
Lafferty was superb for Northern Ireland in qualification, scoring seven goals in nine appearances to guide them to a first ever European Championship and end a tournament drought stretching 30 years.
Germany would thoroughly dominate play and Mesut Ozil creates countless opportunities for the frontline, but Thomas Muller’s early effort is denied by the keeper.
“It was good in terms of the football we played, but we should have been more dominant”. “If we don’t win a game there are 10,000 things you have to criticise in Germany”.
Northern Ireland must wait to discover whether they will face Wales in Paris or hosts France in Lyon in the next round. “It’s been awesome and we just want to stay here for a bit longer”.
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“It was a phenomenal performance and up there with the great goalkeeping performances we’ve had in the past from the likes of Pat Jennings and Tommy Wright”. If you manage to win both tournaments that’s all you can achieve as a national team player.
