Northern Ireland are on the brink of securing second place in their World Cup qualifying group after beating San Marino 3-0 to record their fourth successive victory.
Never before in the nation's history have they won four on the spin, although they needed 70 minutes to eventually break down the microstate, at which point they scored three in eight minutes, two through Josh Magennis and one from a Steven Davis penalty.
Defeats for Azerbaijan and Czech Republic elsewhere ensured they increased their advantage in second place to seven points with three games to play, meaning a draw against the Czechs on Monday will seal that position - and a possible play-off berth for the finals in Russia.
With that prize inching ever closer, there was plenty of tension as they were largely frustrated for long periods against the country ranked 204th in the world - one that has never won a competitive game.
But once Magennis broke the deadlock with 20 minutes to go, a further two goals soon followed to maintain a winning run that dates back to the success over Norway in March, and includes June victories over Azerbaijan and New Zealand.
Northern Ireland can be backed at 7/5 with Sky Bet to get the win they need against the Czech Republic, who are on offer at 15/8 for the three points.
The draw is priced up at 23/10.
Post-match reaction
Josh Magennis is backing Northern Ireland to continue showing they are not a "one-trick pony" as they aim to wrap up second place in Group C.
"It was a tricky game," Magennis told Sky Sports following the victory in Serravalle.
"It's always good to score and win the game, especially on pitches like this.
"It's always nice to win 3-0, but especially in these types of situations with a game on Monday.
"When you're playing up front you need to stay in the box and the chances will come and it's up to you to put them away. I managed to get a double which is fantastic. But the result is the most important thing.
"The minimum we want is the play-offs and that's the biggest cherry we have.
"We came into the campaign on the back of the Euros and everyone was asking if we were a one-trick pony and whether we could do it again.
"But we're a great bunch of lads and with the quality we have we know how to play.
"Monday is going to be massive, especially in front of our fans at Windsor Park. It's going to be rocking."
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