Northern Ireland's spirited Euro 2016 campaign came to an end with a 1-0 loss to Wales in the last 16. Here's an assessment of their spirited campaign in France, and where the national team goes from here.
At a glance
Michael O'Neill's players and the country's boisterous supporters were ousted by a cruel own goal and Gareth Bale's impact but were a superb example of how spirit, preparation and diligence can play a role in major tournaments.
Highlight
Participating in the tournament, especially during the buildup where Northern Ireland felt they were ushering in a new, optimistic era was memorable in itself. There was maybe only a modest, private expectation from manager Michael O'Neill that the team could somehow escape a group containing Germany, Poland and Ukraine.
Victory over a disappointing Ukraine side secured one of the best third-place spots. The manner of the 2-0 win in Stade de Lyon was wonderful; disciplined but daring. Gareth McAuley's powerful header -- via a set-piece move, one of the squad strengths -- to put the Irish 1-0 ahead will go down as a seismic moment in Northern Ireland football history. There was an explosion of joy within the "Green and White Army," who, incidentally, were fine ambassadors for the country, exuding passion and friendliness throughout France.
Indeed, the close relationship between players and supporters in France helped make the experience outstanding.
Low point
It has to be the own goal by McAuley during Saturday's ill-fated round of 16 tie against Wales in Paris. The game itself was more an attritional affair than an open, flowing contest. Northern Ireland's organization and discipline helped contain opposition danger men, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. Nevertheless, this was no way to bring a hitherto enthusiastic odyssey to an end.
The opening game, the 1-0 defeat to Poland in Nice, was a source of frustration, too, in that the team appeared nervous and was largely unrecognisable from the one that won their qualifying group. O'Neill overhauled and his changes paid off against Ukraine. Therefore, it was only the luckless deflection by West Brom stalwart McAuley that brought Euro 2016 matters to a cruel close for a squad which had captured widespread imagination.
Star man
Michael McGovern warmed up for Euro 2016 by bookending his contract with Hamilton Academical. Preferred over veteran Roy Carroll, the keeper was an absolute rock during intense periods in games when Northern Ireland came under siege. A single goal defeat against Germany was entirely down to McGovern -- it could have been five, in truth -- pressing the squad through to the round of 16 with a neutral goal difference.
Jonny Evans was superb as well, particularly against Ukraine and dealing with Wales' creative forces. All the same, McGovern's emergence has been one of the main talking points in Northern Ireland and he is poised for a well-deserved, lucrative transfer this summer as a result of his solid displays.
Lessons learned
Sometimes you simply do not get what you deserve in major tournament football, with the margin for error so slight, as in the case of the eventual loss against Wales. So Northern Ireland's players are justifiably hurting, but they must take an overall philosophical slant on their participation and reflect on how proud a country of just 1.8 million is feeling right now.
Losing to Poland, first of all, was an example of playing the occasion rather than the game; both manager and players learned quickly and moved on, to their credit. The national squad's motto was "Dare to Dream" and the belief Northern Ireland can draw from France is something which can propel further adventures, either with, or, as is more likely, without O'Neill at the helm.