Alright Jack, how's yer back, I haven't seen you for ears and ears! But I still nose yer! Yes! Two-game days are back, and equilibrium is restored.

Germany knock the ball about in front of the NI back-four, prompting and probing, before Cathcart gets a foot in when the attempted killer pass arrives.

Germany have gone two minutes without creating a chance. Total lack of leadership.

"Yes, Jonathan Pearce would really enrich that game." That conversation actually took place.

Another chance for Germany and again, McGovern is there! This time it's Gotze, free in the box, but all he can muster is a poke, diverted away.

Germany are coming now, and Ozil takes down a long ball, finding space in the box to poke a shot - could it be that he anticipated unwelcome contact from the keeper? - and McGovern smothers superbly!

Germany win a free-kick out on the left, not too far outside the box, and Kroos curls it in menacingly. Again, McGovern is out sharply, flapping it clear via Hummels' face.

Jigsaw, Barndoor Muller goes through the middle all alone when Ozil 's beautiful flick diverts Kimmich's square ball into his path, eliminating the entire NI defence. But McGovern is out quickly, spreads himself, and blocks - surely he'll soon find himself a club to play for.

And immediately, NI are down the other end, Davis finding space in the box, but he overruns possession.

This has been precisely the sort of scruffy start that Northern Ireland were after. Kimmich humps a cross into the box looking for Gozte - Hughes manages to outjump him - well, he would have done had he bothered jumping - and that's the end of that attack.

The whole ground looks like it's moving, Northern Ireland fans bouncing like billy-o. Meanwhile, Jonathan Pearce extols the quality of the pitch and groundsman for the second time in three minutes; best in the business, apparently.

This Northern Ireland jersey is an absolute belter.

Neuer, inventor of running, is already outside his box. Amazing! What a pioneer!

Northern Ireland knock it back and hit a diagonal ball. That may happen again.

Deutschland Uber Alles, what a tune. And ripe for a remixing.

Anthem time. Not much singing going on, the players mustn't want to win.

Kroos "is like a fantastic quarterback", reckons Alan Shearer. Brilliant! How does he think of these things!

Yes it's old, but it's still funny.

Back in Germany, they're blaming that old chestnut of lacking leadership. I'd enjoy watching them take it up with Muller, Boateng, Hummels and Khedira.

Jens Lehman reckons the German players lack freshness. For what it's worth, I'd say it's more a lack of pizzazz.

Alan Shearer thinks Northern Ireland might need a set-piece to score. Clearly, he's done his homework.

It's got to be said, speaking as a neutral, that second Northern Ireland goal against Ukraine was one of the buzzes of the tournament so far. Nothing better than one you know is the winner - ideally, immediately after your opponent has equalised, but even if not.

The ground is already bouncing and so is Gerry Armstrong. He thinks Northern Ireland can do it, would you believe!