FT: Northern Ireland 4-0 San Marino - reaction

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill told Sky Sports: "There were a lot of good things. I am delighted to win the game 4-0 and there were things we could have done better and the players know that.

"You have to stay patient. These teams won't roll over and let you score. We would have liked to score early but we had total ownership of the match. Our final ball was poor at times, that is one aspect we should have done better and maybe our set pieces. We knew if we kept going in the correct way we would get opportunities and that proved to be the case.

"It is a very difficult situation with Kyle Lafferty. He has had 45 minutes of football since the Czech Republic game. I am delighted for him, his attitude was great. 

"We are as good as can be. We have four points, not conceded a goal and we go into the most difficult game in international football.

"We know what to expect. Germany have started this campaign like what happened in France hurt them. We will be tested to the max, it will be a totally different game but that is the stage the players want to play on." 

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan, speaking to Sky Sports: "That was exciting in the second half, that is for sure. The first half was like an English Championship game - one team hits the ball to their strikers, the other team hits the ball up to their strikers, and it was hard to play football.

"Second half we did really well to get into the game, and we could have won it. We had some good chances with a bit of bad luck as well."

• Kyle Lafferty has scored nine times in his last 11 qualifiers for Northern Ireland.
• Steven Davis has scored three goals in his last four qualifiers.
• Davis’ converted penalty was the first penalty Northern Ireland have scored in a qualifier since September 2007 (David Healy v Iceland).
• San Marino have picked up a red card in each of their opening two World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
• Northern Ireland have won all three of their games against San Marino, scoring 11 times without conceding.
• San Marino are still awaiting their first ever World Cup qualifying win (D2 L56).

Northern Ireland goal scorer Kyle Lafferty told Sky Sports: "I was disappointed not to start but I understand the decision. Michael made the right decision, I'm not fit and I was happy to get on the pitch and score two goals.

"Everyone knows what Steve (Davis) is about. He is not a selfish player. He's all about the team. To get a goal himself was brilliant, especially a year to the day he took us through to the Euros.

"We had to stay patient and we did do, we're on four points now."

On Tuesday's match against Germany, Lafferty said: "We're playing the world champions so if you can't get up for that, then you have to look at yourself.

"It will be a tough game. We won't see much of the ball but our heart and determination will be spot on again. We lost to them in the Euros, they're a good side so the lads will be up for it and we will see how it goes."

Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty admitted to Sky Sports that not starting him was probably the right call because of his fitness.

The 29-year-old Norwich striker, who has only played for 28 minutes in the league this season, scored twice after coming on in the 72nd minute tonight.

Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis on Sky Sports: "We moved the ball well in the first half but the quality in the final ball was lacking. 

"In the second half we kept persevering, our finishing could have been better but overall it was a good result and a good performance."

On his penalty which opened the scoring: "I fancied my chances. It was nice to get the opportunity and put it away tonight."

Scotland left-back Andy Robertson, speaking to Sky Sports: "Lithuania had a decent shape behind the ball. Luckily we got the goal and piled the pressure on at the end and I thought we would nick it, but it wasn't to be."

Midfielder James McArthur: "It was a frustrating night. We felt we should have controlled the game better. As football players you want to win every single match, so that's what we will aim to do in our next game."

More reaction to that game here.

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Tonight's game will be practically zero use in preparation for Northern Ireland's next game...

They're away to world champions Germany on Tuesday.

Poland held off Denmark's fightback to secure a 3-2 victory, while Germany ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against the Czech Republic. 

Meanwhile - in England and Scotland's group - Slovenia edged Slovakia 1-0.

Northern Ireland were totally dominant, especially in the second half, against minnows San Marino. But to be fair to the visitors, they made a battle of it in the first half and actually kept it to 1-0 until the 79th minute. Goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini was brilliant and made 11 saves.

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That's it! All over and it's a draw in the end. That wouldn't have been a great result for Scotland at the start of the night but, having come from behind, it will feel like a win.

BBC Northern Ireland's Richard Petrie at Windsor Park

The fans drift out of the newly constructed Windsor Park happy with an ultimately comfortable win over San Marino.

Kyle Lafferty is the toast of the town, not for the first time in recent years.

Job done. You can only beat what is in front of you.

We are not going to argue with a 4-0 result. Onwards now to Germany.

San Marino set their stall out very early, we made it very easy for them. The sending off helped but it just shows the impact Steven Davis can have on this team.

And that is that. A routine win, in the end, from Northern Ireland.

Steven Davis is announced as the man of the match on the loudspeaker. The Northern Ireland captain has played well, scoring the opener from the spot.