Arkadiusz Milik, who scored Poland’s victor against Northern Ireland on Sunday, miscued a header as he fell to his knees in Germany’s goalmouth and the ball bounced just wide of Manuel Neuer’s right-hand post. “So we expect a tough game but also a highly technical game”.
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They are now level on points with Germany and Poland with a game against the world champions still to come.
“The fact Northern Ireland scored nine of their 16 goals in qualifying from set pieces tells a story but we were still caught napping for the first goal”, said Fomenko.
Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill got what he was looking for after making five changes to the side that failed to get a shot on goal in its opening 1-0 loss to Poland.
Joachim Low’s side were held to a goalless draw by Poland in Group C on Thursday, though their opening-game win over Ukraine has them sitting top of the pile and nearly certain to progress.
The 24-year-old Darren Rodgers died after a fall, which was not related to the hooligan violence that has plagued the European Championship.
For Ukraine, which lost its opening match against Germany 2-0, defeat would clearly be a setback in its attempt to get out of the group stage in the European Championship for the first time.
Northern Ireland’s first tournament win, since defeating Spain in 1982 means the Nation can finish no lower than third in their group, and a draw in their final game will surely be enough to see them progress.
Brunt said: “The Northern Ireland dressing room is normally a noisy place to be around, but it was very quiet after”. It’ll sink in over the next few days, but the team performance was pleasing tonight. However, its final match in the group is against Poland, a potentially easier proposition than Northern Ireland’s. The game started off good for Germany as they took the lead in the 19 minute when Mustafi headed the ball through Kroos’s cross into the goal, scoring his first for the country. It was a massive game for us to come in, (with) fantastic support and the prestige of the game.
Republic of Ireland fans held a minute of applause for Mr Rodgers during the 24th minute of their game against Sweden on Monday.
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“We still have a hell of a lot to play for and it is still in our own hands”.
