Forget leaving the EU it’s Wales v Northern Ireland.

As people are just coming to terms with leaving the European Union, Wales face Northern Ireland in which is set to be a gripping game at the Parc Des Princes.

Wales finished top of their group on six points in group B, while Northern Ireland finished third respectively. In a group which included Poland, Germany & Ukraine. Both sets of fans will be hoping that their team performs to an optimum. The job in which Michael O’Neill has done with the set of players he has at his disposal is quite admirable. Northern Ireland struggled to find their feet in their first game since Germany but since then they haven’t looked back. They dismantled Ukraine with ease and gave a proficient account of themselves against world Cup winners Germany, only losing 1-0. Only an inspired performance from goalkeeper Michael McGovern kept the score to the one goal, provided six or seven quite scintillating saves. What came as a massive surprise to me is that he has just been released by Hamilton… someone is bound to snap him up after the Euros after such a captivating performance.

Michael McGovern seen here saving from Thomas Muller, his inspirational performance against Germany was commendable as Northern Ireland lost only 1-0 to the World Champions. He will be a key asset if they’re to beat Wales.

 

Wales on the other hand had it a lot easier despite losing to bitter rivals England. Wales put in an extraordinary performance in their first game at the European Championships, defeating Slovakia by two goals to one. A complete performance. But it was the performance against Russia which caught everyone’s eye. Wales were blissful in the way they went about their business, as goals from Ramsey, a first goal ever for Wales full-back Neil Taylor and the exceptional Gareth Bale saw them ease past Russia 3-0.

Wales’ players seen here celebrating after defeating Russia with ease. It will easily go down as one of the most elite Welsh performances of all time.

How I see it all panning out

If Wales perform like they did against Slovakia and Russia they could be in for a field day. However this Northern Ireland team are no pushovers and this was shown in the group stages as they leaked just two goals. I witnessed Wales play Northern Ireland at the Cardiff City stadium where the game finished 1-1. During that game I felt that Northern Ireland were fairly average but their attitude to defend as a unit was something I could only compliment. In all fairness it was a much weakened team. If Wales start well I can see them winning this 2/3-0 but the longer it stays 0-0 the more Northern Ireland will grow in confidence and feel they can nick a narrow victory. Northern Ireland however will have to watch the attacking prowess of this Welsh team with the likes of Gareth Bale, Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey.

My prediction: Wales 2-1 Northern Ireland