Don’t be afraid and don’t have any regrets
NO fear, no regrets. The message from Michael O’Neill to his players could not be simpler on one of the biggest nights Windsor Park has ever seen.
It was here in Belfast that Northern Ireland qualified for the 1958 and 1982 World Cups. Two years ago, it was the scene for a famous victory over Greece to reach Euro 2016.
Tonight O’Neill hopes his players can raise themselves once again to overcome Switzerland in the first instalment of a two-legged play- off for a place in Russia next summer.
The 48- year- old hoped it would come to this. Being in the same qualification group as world champions Germany always meant Northern Ireland were playing for second place and a play-off ticket.
Now he wants his team to seize the moment and take their country to a first World Cup in 32 years.
‘These players have gone through it and experienced a lot of good and bad,’ said O’Neill, who will hand Steven Davis his 100th cap tonight. ‘The one thing I’d say to them is — don’t fear the situation, embrace it and make sure that, whatever happens, when you look back there are no regrets.
‘ We all know the prize is massive and what it means to everyone in Northern Ireland.’
It is a view shared by Chris Brunt, who remembers when getting to a World Cup was a distant dream and players would not welcome the chance to represent Northern Ireland.
‘I’ve been involved since 2004 and there have been a lot of grim times,’ said the West Brom midfielder. ‘Coming away for international games wasn’t something you could look forward to because we were at such a low ebb. The players have done fantastically well.’
O’Neill has drilled into his squad that Sunday’s second leg in Basle means this is a 180minute tie to secure a spot in Russia. Seven of his expected starting line-up will miss the return leg if they are booked tonight. An away goal for Switzerland could prove decisive. ‘It’s very important not to get into that mindset,’ O’Neill said. ‘This isn’t Greece where a win takes you to the finals. It’s a different scenario. We want something to take to Basle to give us an opportunity in the second leg. Ideally that’s a lead.
‘There are little things to be wary of. The significance of an away goal can change the dynamic of the tie. I don’t envisage there being a big margin over two legs.’
Asked if he has been sleeping well this week, O’Neill smiled and nodded. But he admitted to questioning his decisions as the big game draws near.
‘I think you do as a coach,’ he said. ‘You have to, right up to kick- off. Have you covered everything? Have you done enough with the players? I’m apprehensive, I’m excited, I’m looking forward to it.
‘ But I have to focus on managing the team leading into the game and obviously through the game in terms of selection and what we do when we get into the heat of battle.’
Switzerland represent a significant hurdle on the road to Russia after winning nine of their 10 games in qualifying.
It was the country’s best ever performance in a campaign, and better than five of the nine group winners. However, defeat by Portugal in the final game scuppered their hopes of automatic qualification.
‘I would rather have taken the direct way to Russia,’ said Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri. ‘It’s a strange feeling to have 27 points and still be in the play-offs. But I’m confident we are going to go through. I think we are the better team.’
Jonny Evans insists the underdog tag will not worry a Northern Ireland side accustomed to being written off. The West Brom defender, who admitted to getting emotional over the motivational videos O’Neill has been showing the squad, believes reaching the World Cup would be better than qualifying for the Euros.
‘Yes, it would eclipse that achievement,’ said Evans. ‘I’m not taking anything away from what we did in the Euros, that was amazing. But to do it second time around, to pick yourself up and go again is a huge credit to the squad.
‘We’re underdogs, that has been the way over the years. We’ve spoken about how when it came to the crunch time we were able to stand up and produce in big moments. That gives us a sense of composure in the squad and extra belief.
‘The lads are relaxed. We’ve been here before in big situations where we have had to produce over the last couple of years. It’s business as usual.’ PROBABLE NORTHERN IRELAND LINE-UP (4-5-1): McGovern; C McLaughlin, McAuley, J Evans, Brunt; Magennis, Norwood, Davis, C Evans, Ward; Lafferty.