O’Neill – ‘NI can beat Wales’

But it was enough to preserve their position at the top of the group on goal difference above Poland, who beat Ukraine by the same scoreline in Marseille.

“We’ve had great support from everyone in Northern Ireland, be it high-profile sportsmen or the regular fan on the street and hopefully that can continue”.

Plenty of the applause and cheers were aimed in the direction of the inspired Michael McGovern, the goalkeeper who denied the Germans on multiple occasions. “We have to”, he said, adding of penalties: “We have looked at it”.

“Sometimes, when you’re in a big game like that (Germany game), you’re thinking the atmosphere won’t be as good as the first two games and then you see all the videos coming through and you hear them get to the stadium and that definitely gives you a lift”.

Unbeaten in their three pool games, the islanders are now entering uncharted territory but will pose England a threat with their speedy counter-attacking play and never-say-die mentality.

“No matter who we come up against, we’ll fancy our chances”.

“With the squad of players that we have, I’m honestly sitting here believing we can go the whole way”.

Wales were set to play Turkey until Republic of Ireland’s late victor against Italy on Wednesday night changed the dynamics of the second round draw. We will concentrate on ourselves as we usually do and take it from there.

O’Neill believes his Northern Ireland side fully deserve their place in the knockout stage. “I expect our doctors to get him ready and expect him to play (on Sunday)”, Loew said. Three hours later, Turkey’s 2-0 triumph over the Czech Republic in Group D confirmed it.

They, however, will need to find something special to overcome hosts and tournament favourites France.

“We beat the best team in the world and Celtic Park was frightening, ” said Ledley.

Right from the anthem before play had begun, they stood arm in arm belting out their national tune, showing they were finally ready to play as a team, albeit, too little too late.

“It (the next round) becomes a cup tie, a different scenario”.

Basically, the two pages state that they’re all a great bunch, and we’re pretty sure that neutrals will be hoping we pull off a result tonight. “He’s an exceptional goalkeeper”.

Hummels has been a rock at the back for Germany during the Euros and the new Bayern Munich man has stated that the World Champions’ strong defence will prove to be key in their chances of claiming glory in France.

“If you take into account the stage we’re on and the level of opposition, I really enjoyed it”, McGovern said when asked if it was his best-ever performance.