In-form Northern Ireland out to contain Lewandowski

Northern Ireland are on the longest unbeaten run of all 24 teams heading into Euro 2016, but they need hot-shot Robert Lewandowski to have a bad day in Sunday's opener against Poland.

Michael O'Neill's side, who upset the odds to qualify for a first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup, have not lost in 12 games dating back to March 2015.

They open their Group C campaign at the European Championship against Poland in Nice on Sunday with the aim of keeping that run going.

"The press have been playing it up and it's good for us to come into the tournament as the side with the best record, we just want to continue that," said Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn.

"The boys are feeling good, we can't wait for Sunday and the first game."

McGinn added that their unbeaten run means the top teams at Euro 2016 will take the supposed minnows seriously.

"Teams are going to stand back and look at us as a real threat, it can only be a good thing as this is tournament football, so whatever happens on the day, happens on the day," he said.

"With a bit of luck, the team spirit we've shown, plus the talent and skill we have, we can hopefully be a threat."

After playing Poland, Northern Ireland face Ukraine in Lyon four days later before finishing against world champions Germany on June 21 in Paris.

Norwich City forward Kyle Lafferty, who is nursing a groin strain, was Northern Ireland's top scorer with seven goals in qualifying -- the same number Real Madrid's Gareth Bale netted to help Wales reach the Euros.

Bayern Munich star Lewandowski, meanwhile, was the top scorer in qualifying with 13 goals.

Centre-backs Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans, both of English Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion, will be tasked with keeping Lewandowski quiet.

"We just hope he has an off night. We all know what a world-class player he is and it's a privilege to play against the likes of him," added McGinn.

"But we know, with the likes of the defenders we have, who play in the Premier League week in, week out, if they can have a good night, they can keep Lewandowski quiet.

"We know Poland are full of good attacking forwards, so we must take our chances and hope they don't."