Euro 2016: 5 teams which outdid expectations at the tournament

5) Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland made their first ever appearance in the Euros this summer

On 27 May 2011, there were 529 supporters present in a fifty-one thousand capacity stadium for a friendly match contested between Wales and Northern Ireland. Five years down the line, over sixty thousand supporters turned up to cheer for the same two teams, this time in the round of 16 stage in the Euros. This shows how far Northern Ireland have come in the intervening years.

After a fabulous qualifying round, Ireland were grouped with Germany, Poland and Ukraine. After narrow defeats to Germany and Poland, the Irish beat the mighty Ukrainians for a spot in the knockout stages. They delivered big time in a 2-0 victory and qualified for the round of 16 stage in their first ever appearance at the Euros. Northern Ireland hosted a brilliant individual performer; Michael McGovern was the standout keeper in the tournament, making plenty of saves against Germany and Ukraine.

They were unfortunate to get knocked out in the pre-quarterfinal stage against Wales, courtesy of an own goal. As for the 529 Irish supporters, their voices may not rise above the din, but they have reason to be cheering louder than anyone.