Northern Ireland v New Zealand Match Programme

MANAGER’S VIEW

,S[IZIV ERH [MXL RS HMWVIWTIGX XS SYV ERXMTSHIER ZMWMXSVW XSRMKLX - XLMRO [I EPP ORS[ XLEX MR XLI UYIWX JSV XLEX GSZIXIH ;' TPE] SJJ WPSX XLMW challenge match is probably not as important as XLI SRI MR IMKLX HE]Wŭ XMQI MR &EOY 3J GSYVWI XSRMKLX ERH XLI STTSVXYRMXMIW MX KMZIW YW is going to be vital in the preparation for the World 'YT UYEPMƤIV EKEMRWX %^IVFEMNER Recently we have built up an enviable record here EX XLI 2EXMSREP *SSXFEPP 7XEHMYQ [MXL XLI SRP] FPMT FIMRK EKEMRWX 'VSEXME PEWX 2SZIQFIV ERH [I all are aware that we want to go into our autumn programme with our solid home form intact. 8LI 2I[ >IEPERH WUYEH [MPP VITVIWIRX ER interesting challenge for us. Not only is the game a vital part of our preparation for the World Cup UYEPMƤIV EW QER] SJ SYV TPE]IVW [MPP RSX LEZI played for a few weeks following the completion SJ XLIMV WIEWSR FYX MX MW EP[E]W MRXVMKYMRK XS XIWX yourself against unusual opposition. 2SX XLEX 2I[ >IEPERH EVI YRORS[R ;I ORS[ QER] SJ XLIMV TPE]IVW WYGL EW 'LVMW ;SSH ERH ;MRWXSR 6IMH JVSQ )RKPMWL JSSXFEPP ERH - ORS[ that for them - as they make their way to the Confederations Cup tournament in Russia - tonight is just as important. It is a cliché, and one often repeated by managers and coaches, that the next match is the most important.

Our focus will always be to win all of our matches ERH XSRMKLX [MPP FI RS HMJJIVIRX FYX - [SYPH FI P]MRK if I said this match will not be played with one eye on what we need in Baku next week. There are few enough international dates and most are taken up with the strenuous business of trying XS UYEPMJ] JSV GLEQTMSRWLMTW WS XLIVI MW ER SRYW on trying to make the most of the opportunities XLIWI QEXGLIW TVSZMHI FSXL JVSQ E GSEGLMRK ERH preparation perspective and from the chances that such games give to players. I trust that we will FIRIƤX TSWMXMZIP] JVSQ XLMW KEQI 3RGI EKEMR - [SYPH PMOI XS TE] XVMFYXI XS ]SY XLI fans. You have been behind us every step of the way and everything that the team achieves is doubly satisfying when we can see your support and reaction. I can assure you that we are all focused on providing even more memorable nights here at the stadium. Thanks for your continued support.. Michael O’Neill Northern Ireland Manager

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