Not true at all. I think even O'Neill admitted we're looking not to lose to Poland and to beat Ukraine. 4 points would almost certainly qualify us and render the Germany result irrelevant, which we're likely to lose anyway.

The analysis is more fun than the game

Yep, but they should still be going in at the break with a lead, Milik should have buried his golden chance. Credit to the Irish for a good defensive display, though.

bib, although not guaranteed id be absolutely amazed if 4 points goes home when four of the six 3rd place teams qualify for the next round.

But if NI play like first half for the rest of the group games id be amazed if they get 4 points. I was looking forward to this match. Like everyone i expected NI to defend a lot. But theyve not got out their own half for almost the whole 45mins. Feel a bit for you NI fans, so much excitement for this. Good luck and lets hope thats as bad as it gets for you.

(And will the commentators stop going on about first major tournament for 30 years. Prior to Euro96 this was an 8 team comp. So qualifying for a 24 euro comp, although really impressive, doesnt make it the miracle the pundits claim...... "even George Best didnt get to a major tournament". Grrr)

I admit I find it really difficult to get behind a team playing so negatively (NI have had zero shots in the first half).

Is this how Northern Ireland are going to play like in the whole game

One thing I wonder for the second half is whether Lewandowski and some of the other Poles will try and get Jonny Evans wound up and carded as there was the odd sign of that happening in the first half.

Dallas on for McNair - straight swap?

Fun tidbit for you all about the player for Poland called Kapustka, his name is cabbage.

ffs everything dangerous falls to Milik who does naff all the whole tine

That'll open things up!


Perhaps not the whole time

And Milik scores to silence you all, lol.

Milik finally finds his shooting boots. Uphill task now for NI.

And the damn has been broken, famous last words and all, but I can't see the Irish getting back into this.

well taken goal... irish have to come out now.

Thank goodness for the goal now Ni have to play positive.

My son decided he didn't want to watch the second half so he is outside pretending to be Kapustka and playing football.

Not the whole time!

My reverse jinx worked right

You guys should thank me

And another firecracker explodes in the stadium.

They are not very good these double security checks to get in.

Everyone's favourite for the golden boot, Milik, breaks the deadlock.

Hopefully this will make NI do more than defend for the rest of the match.

Let's see if Poland (having totally outclassed NI) make some defensive subs and try to hang on for the 1-0.

Yes, NI will surely be forced onto the front foot now : stopping Poland from scoring is no longer a priority

That could be the best chance they have all game, wasted free kick.

Is that the Polish Milner warming up on the touchline

Perhaps
Though if they keep the score down here, lose to Germany but beat Ukraine, they have a strong chance of going through as one of the best 3rd place finishers with 3 points and an okay GD