THE Northern Ireland team have adopted Dare to Dream as their Euro 2016 motto and given what they have experienced in the tournament so far then there is every reason to be optimistic, even when your next opponents just happen to be the reigning world champions. Expectation was fairly low heading into the province’s first appearance at a major finals for 30 years, a feeling compounded by an opening game defeat to Poland in which Northern Ireland failed to create a solitary chance of note.

Michael O’Neill’s side, though, are nothing if not resolute and determined. The manager made five changes to his team for the second group game against Ukraine – including dropping leading scorer Kyle Lafferty – and was rewarded for his bravery among the hailstones in Lyon. Gareth McAuley, the veteran centre back, headed them into the lead, and Northern Ireland looked on course for their first win at a major tournament since 1982. Perhaps symptomatic of their endeavour – or maybe their naïve rawness - they chose not settle for that and in injury time Aberdeen’s Niall McGinn made sure of the win with a second goal, set up initially by Josh Magennis of Kilmarnock. Had either player been Scottish there is every chance they would not be playing international football. O’Neill, though, has taken the leaves-and-fishes approach to dealing with his scant resources, getting the best out of workaday players and cultivating a real team mentality around the squad.

Victory, combined with Poland and Germany drawing 0-0 later that day, eliminated Ukraine and has ensured Northern Ireland will finish at least third in Group C. That might be enough to send them through to the last 16 but they will seek to take matters into their own hands in Paris tonight.

Awaiting them, however, are Germany. Crowned world champions in Brazil two years ago, Joachim Loew’s side were inspired in their opening game here against Ukraine before toiling in game two against the Poles. O’Neill and his players will be hoping it is the latter side of Germany that comes to the fore in the Parc des Princes this evening although they can expect a usually resolute defensive line – marshalled by Hamilton goalkeeper Michael McGovern – to be tested to their very limits. As Scotland found twice to their cost during qualifying, Germany can break an opponents’ spirit just when you think you have managed to negate their every threat. Perhaps feeling somewhat under pressure after their unconvincing performance against Poland, the German players were given a day off on Monday, although Loew was quick to point out this was a pre-planned break to give them a rest rather than a reaction to a sluggish performance.

Germany will start the game as overwhelming favourites as both sides look to secure their paths through to the knock-out phase although Loew was complimentary about the threat posed by their opponents. “They were really strong in challenges and tackling in qualification,” said the German head coach. “They were a bit cautious in the first game against Poland, but in the second game they showed their energy and intensity. They deservedly won against Ukraine and are dangerous. They have players who run a lot and are very dangerous in the air at set-pieces. They are as good in defence as any other team. They are one of those teams that defend very deep, with five, sometimes even six players, near the box.” Footage of Germany lining up in training suggested they expect this to be an attritional affair that may require patience if they are to eventually break down that sea of green shirts.

Northern Ireland, though, have expectations beyond 90 minutes of simply soaking up sustained German pressure. Their current points tally might not be enough to pass through the group and so there will be an onus on also trying to advance on the German goal as and when any opportunities arise. O’Neill, though, is not overly daunted.

"We knew this would be the most difficult game in the group but we wanted to make sure we had something to play for,” he said, while revealing he sought counsel from namesake Martin, the Republic of Ireland manager, on how to beat Germany. “We'll aim to keep progression in our own hands. It’s not important that they are world champions as we will just concentrate on our own game. But we know the weaknesses of the German team and know how we can hurt them. No team is flawless. When we are in possession we must make the most of it. But hopefully with a good performance we can get even more plaudits and supporters.”

There was a moment of levity in his pre-match press conference when O’Neill was asked, in all seriousness, by a Brazilian journalist just what his country could learn from Northern Ireland. This is what happens when you dare to dream.