Northern Ireland need just one point to secure second place in their World Cup qualifying group, and a likely play-off spot, and Michael O’Neill insists his team “deserve” to be in such a position.
Friday night’s 3-0 win over San Marino earned them a fourth successive victory for the first time in their history and defeats elsewhere for Czech Republic and Azerbaijan increased the Northern Irish’s advantage in the runners-up spot in Group C to seven points.
The Czechs visit Belfast on Monday and if the Northern Irish avoid defeat, they will have enough with two games left to guarantee at least second spot, with the eight best runners-up then advancing to a play-off over two legs that will determine the final four European nations heading for Russia next summer.
Northern Ireland have not been to a World Cup since 1986 but a fourth appearance in a finals, and inclusion at back-to-back major tournaments, remains very much on the cards.
“When we came into this campaign we were holding on to a fantastic experience of France (Euro 2016) and you never want the standards to drop,” O’Neill said.
“You’re always a little bit vulnerable, we didn’t have an influx of players so it’s testament to those players, to their motivation, that they’ve continued to do what they’ve done, to put themselves in the position they’re in, they deserve the chance to go to Russia.
“If we can take care of business on Monday night, and have a play-off to look forward to, it’s something for us to relish.
“In essence, if we can do that, our World Cup will start in November.”
To stay on track they needed to remain patient against microstate San Marino as the country ranked 204th in the world held out for 70 minutes before Josh Magennis finally opened the scoring.
He added a second and then Steven Davis scored the third from the penalty spot in an eight-minute spell that decided the contest.
“There was a patience and assuredness about them, even in the second half, and a belief that they would get that goal,” O’Neill added of his players.
“They never played without a calmness or played any frantic football at any time. It was just a case of making sure we got the breakthrough and I was delighted when we did and that it was Josh because he had an excellent game.”
Magennis had netted just once in 29 previous international appearances but the work ethic of the goalkeeper-turned-striker makes him one of the most popular members of O’Neill’s squad.
“I was delighted because sometimes Josh puts an awful lot into the game but maybe doesn’t get the goal or the credit,” O’Neill said.
“For me, I can’t remember a single time I’ve ever put Josh on the pitch and been disappointed. I thought he was excellent.”
