Northern Ireland is focusing on World Cup qualifiers after defeating Germany

Manager Michael O’Neill felt that had Northern Ireland beaten Germany at Windsor Park in a World Cup qualifier on Monday night, they would have been in a “strong position to achieve something amazing”.

Nick Woltemade’s somewhat coincidental goal was the difference between the two teams in Belfast.

And when the dust settles on the window in which his young side also beat Slovakia 2-0 on Friday, O’Neill will certainly be encouraged that such a possibility is still on the table as he bids to take the team to the game’s biggest stage for the first time in four decades.

For the second time in five weeks, Northern Ireland players left the field against the four-time World Cup winners thinking they could, and perhaps should have, taken the advantage.

In Cologne last month, it took until the 70th minute before the visitors became tired, with Nadeem Amiri and Florian Wirtz scoring quick goals to seal an unconvincing 3-1 win.

Back in Belfast on Monday evening, it was Northern Ireland who finished the stronger side, but were unable to find an equalizer during a final 25 minutes played largely in the German third of the pitch.

The result ends any realistic chance of O’Neill’s side topping Group A, but the performance, consistent with wins in their other two matches so far, means they can have real belief they can make it in the qualifiers.

A draw in what looks to be a tough match next month in Slovakia followed by a win over Luxembourg, provided Germany “takes care of itself at home when they play Slovakia” in the final round, would be enough for second place, O’Neill said.

Even if that doesn’t happen, there is still a potential back door into the playoffs as the non-qualifying group winner from last year’s Nations League, although that could mean a much stronger opponent in an away semi-final.

“We gained some momentum and got some good results,” said defender Paddy McNair, one of two players in O’Neill’s squad who played for Northern Ireland in their last major tournament at Euro 2016.

He added: “If I were the opponent, I would not want to face us in the qualifiers.

“It is very difficult to finish the season in first place now, but I think we have to get to Slovakia and get the three points, and you never know what can happen before the last game.”