Glen Wilson (Wales) and Julian Taylor (Northern Ireland) look ahead to Saturday's clash in Paris.
GW: Wales fans were in dreamland the moment their team took to the field for the opening group game, so what's happened since then has far outweighed the most fantastic of fantasies: Top of the group, ahead of England; highest scoring team; top goalscorer in Gareth Bale, and Aaron Ramsey topping the assist tables. Naturally, there were some doubts raised about Wales' mental resolve following the muted display and late heartbreak against England, but the rout of Russia in Toulouse should quash those concerns.
Wales now face a very different challenge, that of being favourites to progress. However, though Wales may be preferred on paper, Northern Ireland represent a stern test that won't be underestimated, especially given how Wales struggled to break down defensive formations in their qualifying campaign. If Wales can get an early goal, the match will likely open up in their favour; if not, they will need to learn the art of patience.
JT: Northern Ireland have undoubtedly brightened Euro 2016. They also expected to be on their way home by now, only for a compelling 2-0 win over Ukraine to secure progress from Group C. Goalkeeper Michael McGovern's raft of quality saves against Germany maintained a neutral goal difference despite a 1-0 defeat.
The opening setback against Poland hurt, prompting a rethink by manager Michael O'Neill, who implemented courageous changes. Wales, in theory, present a more straightforward proposition in terms of preparation. Yet weaknesses up front remain.
Northern Ireland's stock has scarcely been higher, but the round of 16 may be their glass ceiling.
Each of these players made L'Equipe's team of the group stages and rightly so, having been instrumental in guiding their respective nations to this stage. With Northern Ireland likely to defend deep to prevent Bale room to run in behind, McGovern will instead have to be on high alert for the threat Bale poses from distance.
GW: Wales fans were in dreamland the moment their team took to the field for the opening group game, so what's happened since then has far outweighed the most fantastic of fantasies: Top of the group, ahead of England; highest scoring team; top goalscorer in Gareth Bale, and Aaron Ramsey topping the assist tables. Naturally, there were some doubts raised about Wales' mental resolve following the muted display and late heartbreak against England, but the rout of Russia in Toulouse should quash those concerns.
Wales now face a very different challenge, that of being favourites to progress. However, though Wales may be preferred on paper, Northern Ireland represent a stern test that won't be underestimated, especially given how Wales struggled to break down defensive formations in their qualifying campaign. If Wales can get an early goal, the match will likely open up in their favour; if not, they will need to learn the art of patience.
JT: Northern Ireland have undoubtedly brightened Euro 2016. They also expected to be on their way home by now, only for a compelling 2-0 win over Ukraine to secure progress from Group C. Goalkeeper Michael McGovern's raft of quality saves against Germany maintained a neutral goal difference despite a 1-0 defeat.
The opening setback against Poland hurt, prompting a rethink by manager Michael O'Neill, who implemented courageous changes. Wales, in theory, present a more straightforward proposition in terms of preparation. Yet weaknesses up front remain.
Northern Ireland's stock has scarcely been higher, but the round of 16 may be their glass ceiling.
Each of these players made L'Equipe's team of the group stages and rightly so, having been instrumental in guiding their respective nations to this stage. With Northern Ireland likely to defend deep to prevent Bale room to run in behind, McGovern will instead have to be on high alert for the threat Bale poses from distance.
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