# Northern Ireland Cruise to 3-0 Victory Over San Marino in Euro 2024 Qualifier
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill was delighted with his team’s performance as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over San Marino in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Windsor Park. Paul Smyth, Josh Magennis and Conor McMenamin were all on target for the home side, who dominated the match from start to finish.
The win was a welcome boost for O’Neill’s side, who had been held to a goalless draw by Bulgaria in their opening qualifier. O’Neill was full of praise for his players, saying that their attitude and application was “very good” throughout the match.
## Northern Ireland Take Control From the Start
Northern Ireland started the match on the front foot, with Smyth opening the scoring in the 11th minute. The QPR forward latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area and fired a low shot past San Marino goalkeeper Elia Benedettini.
The home side continued to press forward, and Magennis doubled their lead in the 24th minute. The Bolton Wanderers striker was played in by a superb pass from George Saville, and he made no mistake with his finish, slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
McMenamin then put the result beyond doubt in the second half, heading home from close range after a cross from Jamal Lewis. The win puts Northern Ireland top of Group F, level on points with Bulgaria but ahead on goal difference.
## O’Neill Delighted With Attitude and Application
Speaking after the match, O’Neill said he was pleased with his team’s performance. “I thought our attitude and application was very good,” he said. “We controlled the game from start to finish and created plenty of chances. We could have scored more goals, but I’m delighted with the result.”
The Northern Ireland manager also praised his players for their work rate and commitment throughout the match. “The players worked hard and showed great energy,” he said. “We kept our shape well and defended resolutely when we needed to. It was a very professional performance.”
## San Marino Struggle to Make an Impact
San Marino struggled to make an impact throughout the match, with their only real chance coming late in the second half. Substitute Mirko Palazzi fired a shot just wide of the post from the edge of the area, but it was too little too late for the visitors.
The result leaves San Marino bottom of Group F with no points from their opening two matches. They will be hoping for a better performance when they face Bulgaria in their next qualifier on Tuesday.
## Northern Ireland Look to Build Momentum
Northern Ireland will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s match against Belarus, which they will be hoping to win to build momentum in their qualifying campaign. O’Neill is confident his side can get the job done, saying: “We have a lot of quality in this team and I’m sure we can get the result we need.”
The match against Belarus will be followed by a trip to Estonia in June, before Northern Ireland return home to face Bulgaria in September. With four points from their opening two matches, O’Neill’s side are well placed to qualify for Euro 2024.