Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis is hoping to realise a dream when Greece visit Windsor Park in Thursday’s European Qualifier.
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The two nations were in the same Euro 2004 qualifying pool just over a decade ago with Greece going through as group winners and Northern Ireland a distant last having not scored a goal and accrued only three points, all from draws.
Gareth Mcauley has been a rock at the back alongside former Manchester United defender Johnny Evans and Northern Ireland’s success has been built on their strong defensive displays.
Michael O’Neill’s men now lead the way in Group F and need just two points from their last two games in order to book their place in France next year.
Victory for Northern Ireland would see the country qualify for next year’s finals and complete an incredible Coagh to Champs-Élysées story for Dallas.
Greece of course stunned the footballing world by becoming European champions the following year, but they come to Belfast with that achievement a distant memory and their qualifying group positions reversed.
“It wasn’t too good for the heart, but it would have been an injustice if we hadn’t got something out of the game”.
“We’re quietly confident we can finish the job off against Greece on Thursday”, he told BBC Radio Berkshire. The manager sets us up with a certain style of play and it suits the players we have. Michael has shown great faith in his whole squad and that’s what it’s about in worldwide football.
And even if things go awry in Helsinki, third placed Hungary have to win their final two games to overtake Dallas and co.in the table.
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“There is a real togetherness amongst all the players and we know that everyone is important”.
