NO POINT NO PARTY
Belfast gripped by World Cup fever but boss warns: We’ve nothing to celebrate yet
MICHAEL O’NEILL has warned Northern Ireland’s fans not to jump the gun by starting a World Cup party.
O’Neill’s team need just a point against the Czech Republic at Windsor Park tonight to clinch second spot and the excited Green and White Army are dreaming of a first World Cup since Mexico in 1986.
Northern Ireland still must finish as one of the best eight runners-up in the nine groups to guarantee a play-off position and O’Neill said they still have a lot of work to do before they can celebrate making it to Russia.
“Whether the fans turn up for a party or not is their decision,” said the Irish boss.
“There have been no invitations sent out because we’ve nothing to celebrate yet.
“If we do get second place it will be a fantastic achievement, but it does not guarantee us a place in Russia.
“The players know that, I know that, and hopefully the fans know that as well.”
Despite his caution, O’Neill is confident Northern Ireland can finish the job against the Czechs because of their experience from qualifying for Euro 2016.
O’Neill’s men showed great character to
come back from a goal down against Hungary to earn a precious late point before beating Greece to qualify for France.
The Irish are also buoyed by reeling off four competitive wins and four clean sheets for the first time ever.
O’Neill said: “That experience is invaluable because you’re looking at a squad that hadn’t been in that situation before.
“Big nations are at tournaments every two years and are used to that scenario. Look at Spain and Italy, they have the experience of constantly going through.
“So the experience of last year in terms of Hungary when we clawed our way back into the game to make sure we kept four points ahead of them was a massive psychological boost to us.
“Even in France, we played our second game against Ukraine and we didn’t want to be the first nation to go home. It’s amazing to think how quickly you can turn a really difficult situation into something positive.
“Now our dressing room looks assured, composed. They’re looking forward to the game, it’s not something they fear. You can tell the team is ready to play.”
O’Neill said Jonny Evans has been key to Northern Ireland’s campaign and he had no concerns about him when the West Brom defender was caught in the eye of the deadline-day transfer storm on Thursday.
The former Manchester United star shrugged off any disappointment he might have had at missing out on a move to Manchester City by performing professionally for the Irish, and O’Neill praised his mentality.
“To have Jonny has been a huge boost,” he said. “He hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“I wasn’t concerned about his mentality for the game. Certain things turn players’ heads and I might have been concerned about others, but not Jonny.
“We had a brief chat on Friday morning and there was a little sense of relief.
“OK, whatever speculation there was didn’t come to fruition, but his focus is on Northern Ireland and his focus will revert to West Brom when he goes back.
“It comes from his intelligence on and off the pitch – he never gets carried away.”