"If we take a step back and reflect on what we have done this year - it is incredible and it is only going to keep getting better for us," added Everton forward Magill. Not only have they sold out Seaview, they have done it for two games in a row and there was a clamour on social media in the days leading up to the game to see if any spare tickets were available - which was unthinkable at the start of Shiels' tenure. The scenes after NI's victory over Latvia at Windsor Park will live long in the memoryĪfter that, every single player took time to sign autographs, creating memories which will last a lifetime for some of the next generation in attendance. After the game, players linked arms and there was a 4,000-strong choir singing - the girls in green their conductors. At Windsor Park in September, where a record crowd attended a women's game, the appreciation was palpable. When supporters were allowed to return to the grounds they came in their droves. It was a surreal, yet special moment and a new experience for all in the new normal. Looking back to the play-off victory over Ukraine, it was the biggest moment of the players' lives - yet, bar their injured team-mates and some media, there was barely a soul there to witness it.īut as the full-time whistle approached, the car horns blared and cheering outside the ground.
That made Monday's win all the more special, with more than 3,000 present to watch a comprehensive win to round out the most magical of years. You have to remember, Northern Ireland's history-making success took place in the backdrop of empty stadiums. The past 12 months have been a wave of euphoria and emotion which is almost impossible not to get caught up in. Momentum is building before a big 2022 for Northern Ireland Players and fans in perfect unison It is a special buzz which has brought people together. You have young fans, old die-hard supporters who have followed the men's team their entire lives, families and a new generation of the Green and White Army. Looking around Seaview, a bouncing fortress, you can sense what this team have done. They have completely defied the odds to make history time after time, and the beauty of it all? Whether you have been following the team before the Shiels era, or have only come on board over the past few months - this team is for you. The truth is, the majority of people will have had that lightbulb moment at some stage over the past 18 months given the underdog nature of this side. We want to qualify and everyone has that belief."Īt the time, NI had yet to win a game under Shiels and Euro qualification looked a long way off, yet the unwavering confidence from McCarron offers insight into the belief in this squad. It was a standard interview with Chloe McCarron in September 2020, and an admittedly rather lazy question about NI's hopes was met with the response: "It's not about seeing where we end up. In a moment of self-indulgence, this journalist remembers the day when he, as Jurgen Klopp may put it, was turned from a doubter to believer. Northern Ireland secure second huge win over North Macedonia 'This team is for you' "To end the year on this high is fantastic but we will get our heads down in the new year and that is when the real hard work starts for us." "We put on a show for everyone and it was like a celebration, but we have a lot of work to do and we have a big year coming up. "It was my first time properly playing in front of the fans again and it was an amazing occasion,"added Magill. With their World Cup dreams still alive, Simone Magill feels Monday's victory over North Macedonia in front of a packed Seaview crowd was like a cumulation and "celebration" of their achievements. In September there was the proper return of fans and a famous night at Windsor Park, before a trip to Wembley, two sold-out games at Seaview, a record 11-0 win and Rachel Furness' goals record for Northern Ireland.Įven in their wildest dreams, Shiels and his players could not have envisioned the year that was to come. There was the historic Euro 2022 qualification, the ultimate underdog story, as they outplayed and outfought heavy favourites Ukraine over two legs.