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Euro 2016: Teams say Brexit decision will not affect play on the pitch

CCTV.com

06-25-2016 15:56 BJT

Looking to Euro 2016, where one match-up will see Wales face Northern Ireland. Both are part of Great Britain, and you can excuse the sides if they lose focus after the historic vote to leave the European Union yesterday. Now despite being aware of the potential political upheaval -- the Welsh are only concerned with playing football.

Wales VS Northern Ireland

Wales VS Northern Ireland

Wales reached this point by winning their group and focused on their first ever European Championship knockout match. Making history on the pitch, is much more important to Chris Coleman's men than the historic "Brexit" vote. 

"Talking about being in or out of Europe, we're still in it and that's all we're talking about as a team. Yes, it's on the news, but that's not our focus. We'll talk about that when we get back whenever that is form the tournament. We've been watching all the football that's been on, we've been part of it and that's really been the focus," said Wales Head Coach Chris Coleman.
 
Michael O'Neil's team relishing British derby

30 years ago this week Northern Ireland knocked out Spain at the world cup in 1986. Now they are making their first appearance at the knockout stages of a European Championship. The British nation were far from the favorite to get out of their group which included world champions Germany but were able to qualify as a best third placed team on goal difference. Now, boss Michael O'Neil wants his players to rise to the occasion and make more history for the country by reaching the last 8 at their neighbors expense. 

"I want my team to play with loads of emotion and I want them to fully understand the significance of the game. I think when you look at our performances, particularly in the latter two games you couldn't question the heart of the team from the first minute to the last minute and I don't believe you can play without emotion to be honest so I don't expect my team to play without emotion. It will be a be big factor in the game tomorrow night," said Michael O'Neil.

Here is a look tonight's full schedule -- besides the two matches we mentioned, there is another clash as Switzerland take on Poland in Saint-Etienne. This will kick-off the knockout stage game, with the winner becoming the first team to get to the quarter finals.

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