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WHAT
THEY SAID
“It was a very difficult game. Poland
were excellent. We have to be honest
and say the better team won on the day.”
Michael O’Neill speaking to the Belfast
Telegraph after the loss to Poland
“It’s not how we’ve played in recent times
and to be honest it felt a bit like a game
from four or five years ago when it was
just backs to the wall the whole time.”
Steven Davis reflecting on the game
shortly after the disappointing defeat
against Poland (Irish News)
“It’s hard to put into words and absorb
it all at this time. Everything good about
Northern Ireland was in that stadium
today.”
Michael O’Neill talking to BBC Sport
following the win over Ukraine
“Nobody has given us a chance. Lots
of people said we wouldn’t get a point.
We weren’t at it against Poland - to our
standards, the intensity we wanted to play
at - but tonight was a lot better. It’s special
to score. It will sink in probably over the
next few days.”
Gareth McAuley in an interview with
BBC Sport after the Ukraine game shortly
after the disappointing defeat against
Poland (Irish News)
“There is no doubt that was the best
performance of my life.”
Michael McGovern was on cloud
nine after the Germany game
(Belfast Telegraph)
“Germany were very good and I thought
they caused us a lot of problems. They’re
world champions, a very good side, and the
way they can control games in possession
makes it very difficult for you.”
Jonny Evans in conversation with
The Sun following the group game
against the Germans
“Michael McGovern’s performance was
up there with the great Northern Ireland
goalkeeping performances of the past.
Reaching the last 16 is an incredible
achievement and we deserve to be there.”
Michael O’Neill speaking to the Belfast
Telegraph after the loss to Germany
“It’s huge. Our ambition coming into the
tournament was to progress and we’re
delighted. We faced three very tough
games, but the way we played I don’t think
we can have any regrets. We gave it our all.”
Steven Davis in The Mirror is ecstatic on
clinching a spot in the Round of 16
“The heartbreak is part of it too. We’ve
probably played the best we’ve played in
the tournament today and to go out like
this is cruel but it’ll make us all stronger
as characters and we’ll come back
stronger.”
Oliver Norwood speaks to the Irish News
following the agonising tournament exit
against Wales
“Everyone was very quiet in the changing
room. We were devastated to lose,
especially the way we did. But we got
ourselves together and went out to see
the fans. That gave everyone a lift.”
Craig Cathcart in Sunday Mirror,
reflecting on the 1-0 defeat to Wales
in Paris
“It’s difficult. I’m gutted the way it’s ended
but worse things happen in life. I’m just
gutted everyone has to go home. I’m just
gutted for all the lads after all the effort
they put in – but I’ll take that rather than
one of the younger lads miss a penalty
in a shootout. Maybe when I look back
on it in a few weeks it might help that the
player would have scored but not at the
minute.”
Gareth McAuley in conversation with
The Sun after the Wales game