'We believe we can hurt Germany' - O'Neill in fearless mood
By Alex Keery in FRANCE
They might be world champions, but Michael O’Neill has taken a fearless approach – and believes Germany is there for the taking.
Speaking to Downtown & Cool FM before Northern Ireland’s crunch game with the Germans later in Paris, O’Neill said:
“We believe that we can hurt Germany.
“We have proven in the past we are a good counterattacking team.”
ONeill says this was obviously going to be the biggest game of the group.
And while other results might affect Northern Ireland, any points against the Germans and it is job done.
ONeill says he is happy they are in control of their own fate.
“We wanted to make sure we had something to play for when it came to this game – and we certainly have had this prize to play for,” he said.
“We have got to make sure we do everything possible to keep our progression in our own hands and that’s what we’ll aim to do.
“I always think that one thing as a small nation you get the opportunity as a coach to go against some of the best coaches in the world and I regard Joachim Low (German manager) as one of the best in the world.”
On a personal level, the Northern Ireland boss is looking forward to the challenge.
ONeill says simply being here in France will be the highest point in many of the players’ careers, but he has called for them to go even further.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to enjoy – to savour in our careers.”