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Why Northern Ireland won't focus on point they need in Hungary

Why Northern Ireland won't focus on point they need in Hungary

A draw in Hungary on Tuesday would secure Nations League promotion for Northern Ireland, but they are targeting all three points in Budapest.

Still the only side in the 2026-27 Nations League yet to concede a goal, Northern Ireland know that one more clean sheet will be enough to secure back-to-back promotions.

After Saturday's 1-0 victory over Ukraine in Belfast, a draw away to Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday night would ensure Michael O'Neill's team top their group and advance to League A for the first time.

With three wins and two draws from their five games played, the visitors to the Puskas Arena are in the box seat in Group B2, but they will travel targeting victory rather than the draw that would suffice.

"We try and win every single game. If you don't, there's no point going," said veteran striker Josh Magennis, who will win a 94th cap should he feature.

"It's a weird [situation], but Michael's already told us that we're going to be set up to win.

"To have that in your back pocket is obviously nice, and the onus is going to be on them, but we're going to win it as much as them."

Watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC One NI from19:15 GMT; Listen on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster; Watch, listen, live text and clips on BBC Sport app & website

In brief

Still the only side in the 2026-27 Nations League yet to concede a goal, Northern Ireland know that one more clean sheet will be enough to secure back-to-back promotions. "To have that in your back pocket is obviously nice, and the onus is going to be on them, but we're going to win it as much as them.

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to BBC Sport. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

Continue reading at BBC Sport ↗

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