Northern Ireland ease past Norway after early strike from Jamie Ward

For all that Northern Ireland have flourished over the last two and a half years, this victory against Norway must be charged with extra significance for Michael O’Neill. “I couldn’t have asked for more,” fairly summed up how the manager felt as he tried to play down a clear delight at passing this crucial step towards securing a play-off place for Russia 2018.

Back in February 2012 – what now seems like a grainy, bygone age for a squad galvanised beyond recognition – the manager took over in the hope of arresting terminal decline. A 3-0 home slump against the Norwegians in a friendly merely confirmed the lowly status of Northern Ireland, long before they earned a place in the last 16 of Euro 2016. O’Neill, finding his way in the course of international management, visibly carried the weight of responsibility then, unlike the flexible, confident coach he is today.

Not only this but Norway possessed a strange hex over their Group C opponents, with six wins from seven previous meetings. Lars Lagerback, recent architect of Iceland’s renewable energy and England’s nemesis, had been hired by Norway to help salvage their fading qualification hopes. There is a major contrast in fortunes for both countries after what ended up as a routine win for O’Neill.

There was, some argued, potential for the visitors in Belfast; the luckless Norway were due a turn in fortunes in their campaign, with three defeats against Germany, Azerbaijan and Czech Republic, but they discovered the Ulstermen really are as sturdy as ever.

Lagerback alluded before the match to the similarities between Iceland and Northern Ireland, such as organisation, club mentality and desire within. It proved a fateful observation, given that the hosts are now on 10 points and good value for a play-off spot. An undefeated competitive home run, stretching back to September 2013, was also extended.

With first-half goals from Jamie Ward and Conor Washington, the former making the breakthrough as early as the second minute, Northern Ireland picked up where they left off in November’s 4-0 drubbing of Azerbaijan. They now have three successive wins at home with 10 goals scored. Thankfully for O’Neill, Washington continues to show much promise at this level and the quality of his finish – in effect killing off the contest against shy opponents – bodes well in terms of future attacking options.

O’Neill was always wary of what Norway could have thrown up. “I’m delighted with the performance,” he said. “To me all the players were superb. I thought we were very strong and we didn’t look like conceding.

“It’s no coincidence Germany are the only team to score against us. The energy with Stuart Dallas and Conor McLaughlin was fantastic and I felt that when we looked at the Norway squad we could give their full-backs problems and that proved to be the case.

“Looking back, we managed the game very well and we didn’t allow the dynamics to change and we still carried a threat.”

Ward curled home a lovely goal beyond Rune Jarstein to set the tone and Washington’s cool finish in the 33rd minute will surely keep him in the starting line-up.

The Northern Ireland manager said he was mindful of the Lagerback effect. “I was apprehensive about this game, going in against an experienced coach of a team with nothing to lose,” O’Neill said. “That makes him a dangerous opponent. We now have a cushion over Norway but we have to take care of the rest of the fixtures and we go to Baku in good shape.

“The fixtures won’t get any easier in the second half of the campaign but four clean sheets in five games and 10 goals at home build confidence. I think we’re in a great position.”

Not even Lagerback, a man used to guiding national teams, such as Sweden, to major tournaments, could see much going right. And he conceded, having now lost to all the main rivals, that the group is finished for Norway. “I think, realistically, it is all over for us now. Northern Ireland have a really good position and they are a very well organised team, which I saw at the Euro finals,” he said.

“They are calm in the way they play and they are very physical in the defensive side of the game. A team like this is always very difficult to beat.”

Where next for this highly satisfied Northern Ireland squad? Their next fixture, in Azerbaijan on 10 June, is another special test considering the lengthy trip and the troublesome date at the end of the club season.

The inner strength of the squad has again been reinforced – and with the added bonus of cutting Norway adrift. Even Lagerback, with all his owlish experience, is now forced to address the long game.

Northern Ireland, sitting second behind Germany in the group, have a lot to anticipate. “The players are well versed in these situations now, “O’Neill explained. “They know the significance of three points in Azerbaijan.”