Portugal, Northern Ireland book Euro 2016 places

After last night’s incredible match at the Aviva, Ireland have definitely secured a Euro 2016 play-off, but we could yet go straight through to the finals next summer. “A hard game awaits us but we are ready for it”.

“To be better than the world champions over two games is deserving of winning the tournament but we haven’t even qualified”, said Ireland coach Martin O’Neill, referring to Ireland’s 1-1 draw with die mannschaft in the corresponding game in Gelsenkirchen previous year.

Northern Ireland emerged 2-1 winners when the sides met in Belfast in March and a win on Sunday would ensure four away wins in a qualifying campaign for the first time in the country’s history. “We have proven that we have an identity in our side, we can count on every player in our side and I feel that tomorrow night we will be happy because of the result”.

Port Vale’s Northern Ireland defender Ryan McGivern is gunning for France 2016 after his worldwide team-mates clinched their qualification for the European Championships. A win for either team will send them through, but the complexities of the group mean that both could qualify with a draw.

“This is a special moment for and I’m lucky my wife and kids were here tonight because they’ve not been since my first match”, he said. We were very concentrated and had a good focus and good possession of the ball.

“Steven’s performance was out of this world”. He is a magnificent captain. “It is a dream come true”, said the former Fulham midfielder.

“No better place to do it in front of our fans who have pushed us all along this campaign”.

“When you have someone there who you can rely on and who’s been exceptional, then they’ll cause you plenty of problems”.

It’s all about Sunday in Warsaw now and we can’t wait. “He is developing all the time and I don’t think there is anyone who can stop him”.

“If you’ve just beaten the world champions and you’re coming into the game on a downer then I don’t think you should be in the game”.