Northern Ireland boss points to previous Germany experiences as he bids to ‘land a punch’

Northern Ireland take on Germany in their second 2026 World Cup qualifier this evening

Michael O’Neill says Northern Ireland have to try and inflict more pain on Germany by “landing a punch” on the four-time World Cup winners in Cologne this evening.

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad have come in for heavy criticism following the 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their Group A opener on Thursday.

O’Neill knows it will be a tough task against the wounded animal in their own backyard but he has a simple message for his players.

“In the previous games we’ve played against Germany we were always in the game,” said O’Neill. “That’s the message we’ve given to the players, we have to stay in the game tomorrow night.

“In my last game back in 2019 we came here with a very weakened squad and were beaten 6-1.

“In the other four games we’ve played, we’ve stayed in the game. We’ve had to ride our luck at times and we’ve had to find a way to try and create something.

“When you’re playing a team like this, you have to try and find a way to land a punch and that’s what we have to try and do tomorrow night.

“For us, this is a great game. It gives you an indication of the progress, hopefully, that you believe you’re making. I also think that regardless of what happens, it will help the development of this team going forward.”

O’Neill is expecting a reaction from the Group A favourites tonight as he feels the stinging criticism they have received will give them extra motivation.

“They have lost some amazing players, the likes of Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller in recent years,” O’Neill said. “That is a challenge and maybe they don’t have the depth that possibly they had in the past.

“I would imagine the German national team always plays with pressure because the expectation is so high and these players are used to dealing with that.

“The coach has coached at a very high level so he would be used to dealing with that as well.

“I think sometimes when you play for your national team, criticism can be a little more personal than when you play for your club. That brings added pressure because everyone wants to do well for their national team and their families.

“I haven’t read any of it, but the criticism Germany had… if they need extra motivation they will get it from that.”