EURO 2016: No fairy tale for the Norn Iron but a check into a reality

With day three in the books of EURO 2016 and all its hype that surrounds it, all of a sudden it was that day when the Boys of the Green and White Army where to take the field. This is it, when the lads of North Ireland were ready to show off their mettle and game, responsible of getting them into one of the worlds most admired events in football.

After all, 30 years’ time took for the Boys from North Ireland to make it into the grand fete of EURO. 

Still for the Norn Iron considered as the underdogs of this tournament, many expectations surrounded them in their first day of making their long awaited debut against the one and only and hardened Polish National Team. That did not matter for North Ireland Boss Michael O’ Neill, when he put in place a 5-3-1-1 formation, showing off its defensiveness and with a lone striker in Kyle Lafferty, it was ShowTime for his Emerald City Boys.

For Poland, it was déjà vu once again in this event and they showed off their all-around experience and wisdom in these types of competitions. As the Red and White, initial eleven poised for many spectacular things in this match. That at the end paid off for them and their Manager Adam Nawalka.

The entirety of this match evidently showed all afternoon the dominance and control of the actions by the White Eagles strikers persistently harassing the Norn Iron keeper and his backfield. With opportunities and close plays that many almost call it, a goal in favor of the Poles, but in many times the defense of the Norn Iron came in the clutch.

Still the Norn Iron showing of a nice display at times of their grand game, but you cannot win matches if you are playing with a certain stage fright or nervousness as the Norn Iron did, very well showing off throughout the whole match a very defensive game lacking its offensive touch and ambition.

Ask that to a lonely at all the time Kyle Lafferty who was not allowed any liberties by a stingy Red and White  defense who stopped cold in its tracks the Norn iron offensive might and not allowing their dynamic and cheerful game. Despite Lafferty acrobatic move with a bicycle kick and a close play by Irelands substitute Washington, at the end we can state it was a tranquil afternoon and no danger in sight for Poland’s keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Nothing written in definitive, as the Norn Iron will have to make all around preparations on the eve of their next match against Ukraine who lost against the German National squad, opening the prospects of a win for O’ Neill Boys. 

To finalize the Norn Irons prospects of mounting and displaying their game are very open as well not letting their nervousness be a factor of not developing their grand game alongside of its Manager of not playing a defensive match and opening a new formation with more attacking options.

As the North Irelanders seeded in such a difficult group labeled as the death one, the Norn Iron will have to make the best of their football, lately seen as improved and contentious. Do not discard this group as they can give the all-around surprise in the tournament.

The loss against Poland will make Michael O’ Neill do the necessary moves in order to make this squad work and deliver their best, one thing for sure this squad can perform and deliver, just take the stage fright off and play like there’s no tomorrow.

Euro Cup is not a walk in the park as we all now, you come to play after all your effort you put out  in the qualifiers, you must be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way, now that is the reality and play and give out your best.

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