Proud boss O’Neill: We just couldn’t hang on

HOLLAND ....... 3 N IRELAND ...... 1

MICHAEL O’NEILL lamented a cruel defeat for his brave Northern Ireland side and admitted they were all “devastated”.

O’Neill’s side were seconds away from a famous draw in Holland’s De Kuip fortress – then conceded two killer goals in stoppage time.

It was incredibly harsh on a team who defended heroically and took the lead with 15 minutes to go through Josh Magennis.

For five minutes they dreamed of a stunning win then Memphis Depay levelled. Worse was to follow, with Luuk de Jong putting the hosts ahead and Depay sealing victory.

And the Northern Ireland boss said: “We are devastated with the nature of the defeat.

“We did everything we could to take the lead and they did not cause problems for large periods.

“The two goals were very cruel in injury time and a harsh result for us.

“We were delighted to go ahead and knew we would get an opportunity and have to defend for large periods in the game against world-class players. It was a case of fatigue and we could not hang on.

“The team can be very proud of themselves in this group, we’re playing against world-class players. We are bringing in two players from League One. There has to be a bit of perspective.”

The loss means hopes of automatic qualification are fading although Northern Ireland are still likely to make a play-off spot.

O’Neill set out to contain the home side and his tactic of throwing a blanket over Ronald Koeman’s side worked most of the match.

They barely threatened Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s goal in the first half and Gini Wijnaldum had a shot blocked by Stuart Dallas before Daley Blind fired over from the rebound.

Steven Bergwijn saw a shot blocked by Evans and Wijnaldum’s header was saved by Peacock-Farrell.

The Liverpool star blazed an early chance well over after the interval.

Peacock-Farrell then saved at pointblank range from Bergwijn.

The Irish defence was becoming more desperate and Jonny Evans headed Wijnaldum’s effort clear.

Then incredibly Northern Ireland took the lead in the 75th minute.

Matthijs de Ligt and Blind failed to clear on the right and Dallas crossed for former Kilmarnock and Aberdeen striker Magennis to head home.

But five minutes later Lyon ace Depay converted Donyell Malen’s cross.

And de Jong scored the winner in the first minute of stoppage time before Depay added their third two minutes later.