On the Verge of Something Special

Both Wales and Northern Ireland share something in common, they are plucky underdogs who have defied everything to reach Euro 2016. Now, as we reach the conclusion of the group stage, Wales are through to the knockout rounds in first position, while Northern Ireland are on the verge of qualifying as a third place team.

The winners of Group B have given themselves an excellent chance of going further in the tournament, as they face a third place side in the next round from either Group A, Group D or Group C. Albania finished third in Group A, while Northern Ireland are in pole position to qualify in third, providing they do not get hammered by the Germans later today. In Group D, Turkey have their work cut out, needing to beat the Czech Republic by more than 3 goals in order to finish third and have a competitive goal difference to challenge the rest of the sides. However, that would only leave them on 3 points and they would need other results to go in their favour. Likewise, the Czechs need to win to secure their qualification.

Looking beyond the next knockout round, a match against either the runner up of Group F or the winner of Group E. Belgium are likely to be the runner up of Group E providing they don't slip up against Sweden, Hungary are leading the way in Group E. While Group E is still up for grabs, none of the teams have looked convincing and all look very beatable. Wales don't fear anyone and that is the spirit that Chris Coleman and his predecessor, the late Gary Speed instilled in the side.

Looking at Wales, Chris Coleman has got them playing very smart football. Last night they destroyed a Russian side 3-0 with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor on the score sheet. Joe Allen delivered a very assured performance in the middle of the park and executed a brilliant through ball to Ramsey for the opener. Bale was a thorn in the Russian side all night and is a very good attacking outlet for Wales to use. During qualifying, Wales were criticised for being a one-man team, in this tournament other players have stepped up and showed that Wales don't have to rely on Gareth Bale.

Northern Ireland don't have a speedy Real Madrid Galactico to look towards so some would argue that their feat would be even more spectacular. Sitting as the top third placed team before the final round of group matches kicked off, lists of permutations were drafted up of what had to happen for Northern Ireland to qualify. Four years ago I would have laughed at you if you had said Northern Ireland would qualify for Euro 2016 never mind be on the verge of making it to the knockout round.

Standing in front of the big screen at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, soaking up the atmosphere before Northern Ireland kicked off against Ukraine on Thursday, I remember thinking to myself, 'Imagine if Northern Ireland scored?' Not only did they score 1, they won the match by two goals. Northern Ireland started that match with intent. The players weren't happy with the performance against Poland which culminated in a 1-0 loss and Michael O'Neill made 5 changes, notably, qualifying hero Kyle Lafferty being replaced by QPR's Conor Washington. Washington set the tempo early on, with high pressing, aided by Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas. 

Oliver Norwood, whose set piece deliveries are normally very accurate, but hasn't hit the levels Northern Irish fans have grown accustom to, delivered a perfect ball for Gareth McAuley to head home after the interval. A threat in the opposition's box, McAuley was also imperious when defending, constantly throwing his body in the way of any Ukrainian shot along with Jonny Evans. Niall McGinn followed up a shot from Steven Davis to score the second goal and send the Northern Irish contingent delirious and that goal might be crucial in determining whether they will progress.

Northern Ireland are currently on track to reach the first knockout round of their very first European Championship, but have the small task of current World Champions, Germany in their way. Any kind of result would virtually guarantee a place in the next round. With a +1 goal difference, a 3-0 defeat to Germany would still see them through providing the Czech Republic and Turkey draw tonight. Also, if Turkey beat the Czech Republic but fail to overturn a goal difference of -4, then Northern Ireland will qualify.

Michael O'Neill won't be concerning himself with the list of permutations about finishing third, instead a plan on how to add Germany to the long list of upsets that the nation of 1.7m people has caused. All the talk has been about what Northern Ireland have to do to qualify third, with no mention of what has to happen for them to finish top. If Northern Ireland defeat Germany and Ukraine defeat Poland, the Green and White Army top the group, and match their Celtic counterparts, Wales.

Northern Ireland is at fever pitch with First Minister Arlene Foster asking for employers to let their staff out early in order to watch the match. Across the Irish Sea, Wales will be waking up to plenty of sore heads after a hard night partying, but Chris Coleman will know that there is more history to be written. Both sides are on the verge of something special.