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Gareth Fullerton

Northern Ireland Euro 2024 qualifying draw - how fans reacted

Northern Ireland fans have been reacting to Sunday's Euro 2024 qualifying draw.

Ian Baraclough's side avoided some hot groups before landing Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino.

The draw was made on Sunday morning in Frankfurt, and the general consensus is Northern Ireland got as good as they could have hoped for.

Read more: Euro 2024 qualifying draw as it happened in Frankfurt

Most fans were buoyed by the draw, considering who they avoided.

Richard said on Twitter: "Denmark likely group winners but I’d like to see us compete against the rest of the teams."

Michael simply said: "Very doable."

Philip said: "Very happy with it overall, the key was avoiding group C and F and (especially) group B. We should have every chance of coming 3rd in that group, at least."

Chris tempered any over-enthusiasm by saying: "We have beaten Lithuania and Kosovo (just) under Baraclough. If we get 2 wins against San Marino we should celebrate it like the world cup final."

Gavin added: "Would love go to the away Denmark fixture! Class team, I think they can make the final 4 of the World Cup! That’s a serious test for NI."

Another supporter tweeted: "Absolutely possible to get out of that."

And Kurt said: "As good as we could have hoped for."

Ryan was upbeat about the chances, saying: "Am I being too optimistic or still half cut? 2nd is doable! Win majority at Windsor and pick up some BIG results on the road! We're on our way! GAWA."

There were some fans who said qualification was possible - but only if a new manager came in.

Dee tweeted: "Great draw. Get rid of Bara and give us a chance now."

Glenn said: "Doable under a different manager."

And Richard tweeted: "Good draw, please sack Ian Baraclough."

Davy said it was time for fans to get behind Baraclough and the players, adding: "Listen Barra is here for the Euros so no point calling for his head. Thats as good a draw as we could have wished for. Gr8 away trips too so hopefully senior players stay fit, ve some turnaround but we can do this."

The Euro qualifiers will be a massive campaign for manager Baraclough who has come under increasing pressure following a poor Nations League campaign.

Northern Ireland narrowly avoided relegation from League C after picking up just one win from six games.

Euro 2024 qualifying groups

Group A: Spain, Scotland , Norway, Georgia, Cyprus

Group B: Netherlands, France, Republic of Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar

Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Malta

Group D: Croatia, Wales , Armenia, Turkey, Latvia

Group E: Poland, Czech Rep, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova

Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia

Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania

Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland , San Marino

Group I: Switzerland. Israel, Romania, Kosovo, Belarus, Andorra

Group J: Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Liechtenstein

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