Northern Ireland must be on the front foot in World Cup qualifier against Switzerland

Northern Ireland are just two matches away from their first World Cup in over 30 years as their remarkable rise under Michael O’Neill continues, writes Will Esler.

For some fans, it could be the first time in their lifetime to see their country on football’s biggest stage – but Switzerland stand in the way and while it will be a tough test, it is vital Northern Ireland go into the game with a positive attacking mindset.

The Swiss finished level on points with Portugal in Group B during qualifying, only missing out on an automatic spot in Russia on goal difference. That was mainly due to the Cristiano Ronaldo factor, as he netted 15 times in qualifying – only Poland’s Robert Lewandowski scored more (16).
The Swiss even recorded a 2-0 victory over the Portuguese, underlining the task Northern Ireland face against a side ranked 11th in the world heading into Thursday’s first-leg clash.

Therefore, you could understand if O’Neill was tempted to plump for a back five at Windsor Park to try to keep things tight and not lose the play-off tie in the first 20 minutes of the first leg. But that style, particularly at home, doesn’t play to Northern Ireland’s strengths.

O’Neill started with a 5-3-2 formation against Germany, which often became four in midfield as Josh Magennis slotted in on the right-hand side. The tactics saw Northern Ireland sit too deep and invite the world champions onto them and the Germans duly took advantage with two goals in the opening 21 minutes.
In the second half, Northern Ireland looked a different team after Stuart Dallas replaced Lee Hodson at the break and they reverted to a 4-3-3 system which had served them so well in previous games.

Having barely ventured out of their own half in the first 45 minutes, the more attacking formation was rewarded with a goal for Magennis, while Conor Washington also hit the bar.

The Green and White Army were also treated to a remarkable double nutmeg by Connor McLaughlin on Julian Draxler and Marvin Plattenhardt as confidence grew in the more attacking formation.
Perhaps too much respect was given to Germany and there is a danger of doing the same against Switzerland.

There isn’t a household name which leaps off their teamsheet and strikes fear into the hearts of opposition fans. Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri and Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka are the most recognisable names.

And while the Swiss may have tied on points with Portugal in Group B, the other teams in the group were Andorra, Latvia, Faroe Islands and Hungary – all sides you’d back Northern Ireland to get a result against based on recent form.
And Andorra even scored against Switzerland!

Northern Ireland can take confidence from that and with the first leg at the fortress that is Windsor Park, it is vital they are positive in Belfast and get a lead to take to Basel for the second leg.

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