Northern Ireland fans look on the bright side after disappointing result

Their motto is “dare to dream”, and, despite the disappointing scoreline, the thousands of Northern Ireland supporters literally danced out of the fan zone in Belfast.

Singing ‘Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life,’ the 10,000 members of the so-called Green and White Army had revelled in seeing their team play in their first major tournament for 30 years. For much of the match, grey clouds loomed ominously overhead, but the mood of the men and women and children with painted faces and green wigs remained jubilant.

They chanted: “We’re not Brazil, we’re Northern Ireland; We’re the Ulster boys making all the noise; and Stand Up for the Ulster-men” with gusto and an obvious sense of pride.