"Image source, Getty Images Wherever Northern Ireland supporters found themselves in mainland Europe over the past week they have sung what has become a familiar refrain. From airports, train carriages and town squares, then ultimately at the Stade de Luxembourg and RheinEnergieStadion for their side's World Cup qualifying double-header, the green and white army have told all who care to listen that they're on their way to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico."
"As the squad trudged towards their bus after a game in which they were level until the 69th minute, words like 'disappointed', 'frustrated' and 'gutted' were used to describe the failure to get a result against opposition who were clearly edgy after defeat by Slovakia three days prior."
""There's a lot of things for us to be positive about, but it's hard to see that in the [moment] because I think the overriding emotion is disappointment," said former Stoke City boss O'Neill. "We had the opportunity to maybe take more than we did.""
Northern Ireland supporters loudly proclaimed belief in qualification across mainland Europe and at both qualifying venues. The team beat Luxembourg 3-1 but then lost 3-1 to Germany after being level until the 69th minute. The squad lacked key players including Dan Ballard, Pierce Charles and Brodie Spencer, forcing inexperienced selections. Manager Michael O'Neill described strong emotions of disappointment and said the team had opportunities to take more. O'Neill likened some selections to asking boys to do a man's job. The performance suggested positive direction despite the result and squad challenges.
Read at www.bbc.com
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