Euro 2016: Wales v N Ireland: Fans talk key men, tactics and score predictions

25 June 2016

By Ben Mundy

Newsbeat reporter in Paris

For the first time ever two of the home nations will play each other in the knockout stages of a major tournament later.

Wales and Northern Ireland fans are in Paris for their last-16 tie at Euro 2016.

They're each trying to reach their first European Championship quarter-final.

It's the first time either nation has made it to the knockouts of a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

Apparently a chap named Pele did alright in that one.

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So, we asked Wales fan Daniel Thomas and Northern Ireland supporter Gary McKee to run through some of the key areas of the big match.

Gary thinks his team will play defensively against Wales

Gary, from Belfast, has been travelling to France on day trips to watch each of Northern Ireland's three group games.

"I've really enjoyed it, it's been amazing," says the 23-year-old.

Daniel however is in France for his first match of Euro 2016.

"It's potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I had to be here," he says.

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Daniel reckons Wales could go all the way

Tactics

Daniel (Wales): "I think our manager Chris Coleman will go with the same formation he's used in qualification and in the group games.

"So it will be three in defence, two wing-backs, three midfielders, one striker and then Gareth Bale will have a bit of free role."

Gary (Northern Ireland): "Manager Michael O'Neill will be quite cautious of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

"So we'll try and hit them on the break and play quite defensively I think."

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Daniel (Wales): "I think the key men are the spine of the Welsh team.

"Ashley Williams in defence, Joe Allen in midfield and then Gareth Bale."

Gary (Northern Ireland): "Steven Davis is definitely a key player in the middle of the park.

"And of course our goalkeeper Michael McGovern who played very well against Germany.

"He'll be kept busy by Gareth Bale."

Daniel (Wales): "I think it will be 3-1, in the 90 minutes."

Gary (Northern Ireland): "I'll go 2-1 Northern Ireland but we'll need extra time."

Daniel (Wales): "Being here now and looking at our side of the draw there's no reason to stop us going all the way."

Gary (Northern Ireland): "It's going to be brilliant for the country and there'll be a great buzz."

Daniel (Wales): "The "Don't take me home" song is a good one, but all the fans have been singing that.

"You can't beat the national anthem though that gives you goosebumps head to toe."

Gary (Northern Ireland): "I won't say the "Will Grigg is on fire" one.

"There's so many to choose from, we have three or four decent ones."

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