Euro 2016 preview: Northern Ireland could bail fast to Belfast
Northern Ireland's last appearance in a major tournament, featured a draw into a tough group with Brazil, Spain and Algeria at the World Cup in Mexico.
Many hopes were pinned on Norman Whiteside, the 21-year-old Manchester United favourite who was already an established international due to becoming the youngest player ever fielded at a World Cup four years earlier - a record that still stands. Six minutes into Group D's opener in Zapopan against Algeria in 1986, he delivered with a deflected free-kick, but a 59th-minute equaliser ended the match with honours even. The result marked the only point earned in the tournament, with a 3-0 loss to Brazil confirming elimination in the group stages.
Northern Ireland's qualification group for Euro 2016 sprung a couple of surprises: Greece was lackluster, the top seed finishing bottom with a paltry six points; Norn Iron, second bottom seed behind the Faroe Islands, finished top, scoring an impressive 16 goals en route.
In a Euro 2016 group where Michael O'Neill's side is pitted against Germany, Poland and Ukraine, it's a tough ask for it to replicate that form.
Group Schedule
| Date | Match | City | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 | Poland vs. Northern Ireland | Nice | Allianz Riviera | 12:00 PM |
| June 16 | Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland | Lyon | Parc Olympique Lyonnais | 12:00 PM |
| June 21 | Northern Ireland vs. Germany | Paris | Parc des Princes | 12:00 PM |
Projected Starting XI
Altogether now: "Will Grigg's on fire, your defence is terrified."
A tribute to Wigan Athletic's forward has gatecrashed the UK top 10 music chart and it lyrics ring true: Grigg banged in 21 goals for the Latics in his final 22 League One outings of the season, and has impressed in the friendlies leading up to Euro 2016. He has certainly put down a convincing case to beat Conor Washington and Josh Magennis to a spot in the starting lineup.
Elsewhere, O'Neill will hope no injuries occur in his aged defence, as the backup is laden with representatives coming from lowly divisions or, in the case of 36-year-old Aaron Hughes, Melbourne City. The work of West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans is pivotal in preventing Northern Ireland leaving France red faced on June 21.
Key Player: Steven Davis
O'Neill dubs the Southampton midfielder as "one of the most underrated players in the Premier League," and he may have a point. Steven Davis displays a startling work rate and the composure of his snooker-playing namesake for the Saints, and has topped 30 league outings for his side in each of his four seasons on the south coast. The 31-year-old's leadership and work in the middle has swelled in importance due to the unfortunate injury suffered by Chris Brunt.
Breakout Star: Oliver Norwood
One of the most consistent players in the Championship last season, Reading's Oliver Norwood played the most minutes of Northern Ireland's qualification campaign and, at 25, could be showing some of the potential that drew plaudits during his days in Manchester United's academy. The midfielder's creativity could get the goals flowing in France.
Tournament Expectations
To keep it respectable. Taking points off world champion Germany and Poland, with its potent strikeforce of Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik, would be near impossible, so eyes will be on the Ukraine test on June 16 as an opportunity to pick up points. An unadventurous and disciplined back five to stymie Andriy Yarmolenko and friends would be essential and then, who knows, Grigg could spark a light.