Northern Ireland are about to venture into unchartered waters.
Not since the 1986 World Cup have they congregated for a major tournament and in that time its been nothing but pain and misery as the nation has slid further and further into footballing obscurity.
Thirty years later the Green and White Army have finally re-emerged from the international wilderness to now have a team their country can be proud of.
It is the first time Northern Ireland will participate at a European championships, as the hysteria from a memorable qualifying campaign ascends to France this summer.
This gritty side lead by their unflappable gaffer Michael O’Neill will look to take the fight right up to their more fancied opponents.
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Qualifying form
Pitted in a competitive but favourable group, Northern Ireland’s campaign got off to the best possible start with a dramatic come from behind away victory against Hungary that set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
A routine victory against the Faroe Islands followed by a superb 2-0 triumph away to Greece only enhanced the growing feeling amongst the squad that something special was on the horizon. They were bought down to earth with a 2-0 loss to Romania before bouncing back with a hard fought 2-1 win against Finland.
A draw against Romania and another three points against the Faroe Islands saw them take giant steps towards the promised land before a convincing win over Greece sealed their ticket to the showpiece event. Northern Ireland topped the group on 21 points with six wins and suffering just the one defeat in ten matches.
Momentum is important going into a big tournament such as this, and Northern Ireland are a team that is brimming with confidence and belief. They are currently on a record ten match unbeaten run and are fearless in their approach regardless of the opposition.
Euros history
As mentioned previously this is the country’s first appearance at the Euros after countless failed attempts.
After three decades in the doldrums, the people of Northern Ireland, who have been deprived of any sort of success for so long can now rejoice as one as they will descend on France in their thousands.
Strengths
Northern Ireland make up for their lack of naturally gifted footballers with an unbreakable team spirit and a willingness to work for each-other. Qualities like fight, grit, graft and industrious spring to mind immediately when describing this Northern Ireland side.
Apart from their intangible qualities, Northern Ireland’s strength lies in defence. They have three vastly experienced central defenders in: Jonny Evans, Gareth McCauley and Craig Cathcart, who all ply their trade in the English Premier League.
O’Neill is a tactically astute manager who has his side extremely well organised at back – which is down to their steadfast pillars of strength across their defensive line.
They are also exceptionally lead by their heroic midfielder Steven Davis, who has proven himself to be consummate professional that is playing some of the best football of his career.
Weaknesses
A shortage of top class talent and star power, a lack of squad depth, one the smallest talent pool’s in Europe and a lack of big tournament experience are concerns that Northern Ireland must contend with in France.
While unheralded striker Kyle Lafferty proved to be sensation in qualifying bagging seven goals, the Northern Ireland attack looks short of fire power to pose a serious threat to their three opponents. In a major blow to the squad, Chris Brunt has been ruled out of the tournament with a serious knee injury he sustained back in March playing for West Bromwich Albion.
Brunt’s versatility and experience will be sorely missed and manager O’Neill will look to seek alternatives to cover the loss of one of his proven soldiers.
Predicted finish – Group stage
In a group containing world champions Germany, Poland and Ukraine, Northern Ireland face an uphill battle in their quest to progress through to the round of 16. Facing the Green and White Army could be a potential banana skin as they will leave everything on the pitch, and if their opponents show signs of complacency, that could be where they throw a cat amongst the pigeons.
Given they are not overawed by the occasion, they will look to rattle the cages of their more illustrious opponents, however, anything but an exit at the group stages looks extremely unlikely. But as we have seen this season with Leicester City, anything is possible in football with application, team work and a shrewd tactical outlook – traits Northern Ireland have in abundance.
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