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O'Neill hopes first-leg frustration can inspire Northern Ireland in Basle

Related Topics: Northern Ireland, Basel

Michael O'Neill feels the manner of Northern Ireland's first-leg defeat to Switzerland can motivate his players to secure a place at the 2018 World Cup.

Ricardo Rodriguez's controversial penalty has the Swiss in pole position to win the play-off and reach Russia, with Northern Ireland needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit on Sunday to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 1986.

The AC Milan left-back converted from the spot after referee Ovidiu Hategan had judged Corry Evans had blocked Xherdan Shaqiri's volley with a hand, even though the ball appeared to strike the midfielder on the back as he turned away from the shot.