Northern Ireland progress after frustrating Germany

Michael O'Neill believes his Northern Ireland side fully deserve their place in the knockout stage of Euro 2016 after defying the odds to qualify from Group C.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern in action against Germany.Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern in action against Germany.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern in action against Germany.

O’Neill’s men had already made history by reaching their first ever finals in France but a gutsy one-goal defeat at the hands of world champions Germany, coupled with Turkey’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, ensured they would break more new ground by progressing as one of the best third-placed sides.

At full-time in Paris they knew they had a good chance of seeing further action; three hours later Turkey’s triumph confirmed it.

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They finished with three points and a neutral goal difference, an equation that could easily have been much worse had goalkeeper Michael McGovern not produced the performance of a lifetime.

The soon to be out-of-contract Hamilton stopper defied Germany and was the toast of the dressing room, which rewarded him with a standing ovation.

He made a succession of brave and intelligent stops, repelling everything but one Mario Gomez effort.

O’Neill was never content simply to be a sideshow at the tournament and is now looking forward to a tie against Wales or hosts France.

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“The nature of the comp is such that small teams deserve the opportunity and we earned our right to be here,” he said.

“We’ve earned a right to be in the round of 16. I think our players deserve the opportunity, they’ve done magnificently well.

“It (the next round) becomes a cup tie, a different scenario.

“We have to hope we produce an upset in a cup-tie format.

“We’re a very small nation with a very small group of players.

“I’m immensely proud to be here.”

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Ivan Perisic’s late goal saw Croatia come from behind to beat defending champions Spain 2-1 and advance to the knockout stages as Group D winners.

Alvaro Morata’s early strike had given Spain the lead but Nikola Kalinic equalised before Sergio Ramos saw a penalty saved.

The 2-1 defeat means Spain will play Italy on Monday.

Turkey finished third, after beating the Czech Republic 2-0 thanks to goals from Burak Yilmaz and Ozan Tufan.