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MANAGER’S
VIEW
So here we go again! It doesn’t seem like only two years ago that
I was writing for the programme about our chances of qualification
to the European Championship finals.
of what would be another remarkable achievement,
and I have to say as coach that this group of
players certainly deserve their success.
Over all of my time as manager of Northern
Ireland I have been amazed and delighted at the
application, determination and ability of this group
of players. In Steven Davis and Jonny Evans we
have two fine leaders who provide the backbone
of our squad, not only on the pitch but off it. They
have provided the rock around which others such
as Conor Washington and Conor McLaughlin have
flourished and developed.
I know that tonight will once again be extremely
challenging. The Czechs have a lot to play for, and
as long as there is a chance I know they will be
giving their all, but I also know that my team will
also be striving to find the elusive point/s to assure
us of play-off qualification. It should be an exciting
night.
I also know that regardless of the result we
will have your undying support. The Green and
White Army continue to provide remarkable
encouragement for us everywhere we go – not
only in Belfast but in Prague, Hannover, San Marino
and Baku, and no doubt in Oslo, and if we make the
qualification play-off wherever that match will be
played. There is nothing better than seeing the fans
in their colourful outfits and in full voice to lift the
team. The support was wonderful in Serravalle on
Friday night.
We all salute you for your support and I trust that
the team will repay it with positive performances
and results.
So here we go! I for one can’t wait.
Michael O’Neill
Northern Ireland Manager
And now in a strange piece of déjà vu we are
facing three more crucial autumn matches which
could mean that we are destined for a World Cup
qualification play-off in November.
Our measured, composed and professional
performance against San Marino on Friday night,
coupled with Germany’s win against the Czechs
the same night, means we require a draw against
Czech Republic to guarantee the runners-up spot
in the group.
It appears it might even be good enough to cement
a play-off slot - but we can’t say for sure yet as that
still depends on results in the remaining games in
other groups.
What we can control right now is our own
performance tonight – and I am confident the
players can take care of business.
This match against the Czechs is essentially the
first of three games where we have an opportunity
to claim that coveted second place behind the
world champions.
The Czechs have to win all of their remaining
fixtures to have any chance of grabbing runners-up
spot in Group C, while we have three opportunities,
starting tonight, to grab the point we need.
The Czechs rested some players for the Germany
fixture, apparently with this game in mind, so we
will have to be on our guard. It was tough against
them last autumn and I know they will provide
strong opposition again.
Naturally, there is pressure on us to get a result
tonight but I have no doubt the team will handle it
well. I think our experiences during the Euro 2016
campaign, where we rose to the occasion when we
had big prizes to play for, will hold us in good stead.
We have, through our consistent performances and
results in the group, brought ourselves to the brink
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