"I have confidence in the team. We need to approach the game like a Champions League semi-final. Otherwise we will play the play-offs in March. I have confidence in the team, but everyone has to realise that it's not enough to play with the handbrake on. The players have spoken to each other. I believe that they feel what is needed now. The whole group must carry the energy. If we appear more energetically than today [against Slovakia], it will be a better game on Sunday."
"Germany's surprise capitulation in Slovakia on Thursday night means the pressure has ramped up ahead of Northern Ireland's visit tomorrow. The 2-0 setback in Bratislava - their first-ever away defeat in a World Cup qualifier - has prompted plenty of criticism from pundits and former players. Bastian Schweinsteiger claimed Germany had "lost their DNA" - the ability to win without playing well - and even boss Julian Nagelsmann questioned the team's lack of passion."
"Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland are in a much better position after their 3-1 victory in Luxembourg and travel to Cologne in buoyant mood. Realistically, they would have been targeting second spot at best and then chance their arm in the play-offs. But any kind of result tomorrow would thrust them into the conversation for group winners. "The message to the players when they met up last Sunday was, if we go home with three points it will be a good trip," O'Neill said. "But if we go home with more than that, it'll be a great trip.""
Germany suffered a 2-0 defeat in Bratislava, their first-ever away loss in a World Cup qualifier, increasing pressure ahead of Northern Ireland's visit. Critics and former players slammed the performance, with Bastian Schweinsteiger saying Germany had "lost their DNA" and reports of a lack of passion. Julian Nagelsmann demanded greater energy and urged a Champions League semi-final mentality to avoid March play-offs. Northern Ireland travel to Cologne buoyant after a 3-1 win in Luxembourg, realistically eyeing second place but capable of challenging for top spot with a positive result. Michael O'Neill encouraged his squad with modest objectives and optimism.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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