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Northern Ireland could really compete for top spots
Despite winning every single game in qualifying prior to this and leading the group with 12 points, there was a question mark that hung over N. Ireland. Their toughest fixtures, against Germany and Netherlands, were yet to come in the calendar. It became difficult to judge them based only off playing the relatively weaker sides as they would almost definitely need results against Germany or the Netherlands to qualify from this group.
Prior to this game, there was not much faith in their ability to get those points against bigger sides. However, their stellar display against Germany should fill them with the hope that they will be able to sneak points in the return fixture and possibly against Netherlands as well. The Irish are not too far from being a top side. They work well together and play well going forward and defending as a team.
If they can add some edge to their attack, they would really be in business.
