Living the dream – Northern Ireland make it to France 2016

Referencing the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 victory over world champions Germany as well, Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness tweeted: “Incredible night for Irish football, congrats Martin and Michael O’Neill (managers) & both teams”.

Portugal have 18 points, Denmark 12 and Albania 11.

Poland went on to equalise in injury time for a 2-2 draw that eliminated Scotland.

The Ireland defence was opened up after only 13 minutes, but captain John O’Shea made a brilliant block to divert the ball wide as midfielder Ilkay Gundogan looked poised to score.

Captain Steven Davis will be delighted when the talking finally stops and his Northern Ireland side get the chance to make history against Greece.

Obviously Davo to get two goals – absolutely brilliant – he deserved them for his overall performances in the whole campaign.

Des and Pat O’Neill read up on newspaper coverage of their son Michael’s achievement in leading Northern Ireland to the European Championship finals..

On the first of six nights which will complete the qualifying group phase, Northern Ireland ensured they will be playing in a major competition for the first time since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. “The tension for me is earlier in the week, making sure the preparations are right”, O’Neill said yesterday.

We prepared the team well, players deserve the ultimate credit as they have to buy into it. We have confidence and belief which comes from winning games.

Davis then netted his second of the contest before Christos Aravidis scored a late consolation for the Greeks.

Group leaders Germany, who have 19 points and only needed a draw to qualify in Dublin, next host Georgia.

Romania, who travel to the Faroe Islands in their final game, will assure themselves of automatic qualification providing they match Hungary’s result in Greece at the weekend.

Victory in Warsaw will seal the Republic’s third European Championship qualification, whereas a defeat will mean they would have to qualify through the play-offs.

“We had a phone call minutes after the match ended from our son Sean who lives in Chicago and when he was home in the summer he said to me “I have a feeling I’ll be holidaying in France next year”!”