Group F/ Liechtenstein 1 Northern Ireland 4: Lawrie Sanchez insists he is still dreaming of qualification for Euro 2008 as he targets the victory over Sweden on Wednesday which would take Northern Ireland to the top of Group F.

They can become shock leaders should they manage to halt Sweden's 100 per cent record and achieve a victory at an expectant Windsor Park.

With Denmark losing to Spain, Northern Ireland moved on to the shoulders of the Swedes by beating Liechtenstein 4-1 in Vaduz thanks to a superb hat-trick from David Healy.

Considering they were seen as rank outsiders to claim one of the two qualifying spots, it would be a remarkable achievement at the halfway stage.

Northern Ireland boss Sanchez said: "The dream is still alive. There is a different expectation than there was three years ago. We have a chance of stopping Sweden, who are running away with the group. If we get anything from the game that will be fantastic."

Sanchez has the greatest respect for Sweden, World Cup finalists last year. He said: "They have a very good manager (Lars Lagerback) and their players play at the highest level. But hopefully we will have a magical night at Windsor. One thing for sure we will give a performance."

With Healy in a rich vein of form, Sanchez has reason to be optimistic about the future.

It was the Leeds striker's second hat-trick of the qualifying campaign after a feisty first-half show by Liechtenstein. In the process he took his tally to 27 goals in 55 international appearances.

Considering the team once went 1,298 minutes without scoring and he played through those dark days, his record is even more astonishing.

Sanchez said: "It is a phenomenal strike rate. He is a world-class striker. The team understand that David is a scoring machine. It was a fantastic hat-trick. We do set up chances for him and we know if we do that, more often than not he will take them.

"The great thing about David is that he is a very down-to-earth person. He does not see himself as a superstar. The players are pleased we have someone of his calibre. He is getting his rewards and is on a great run in our campaign."

Healy made the breakthrough in the 52nd minute when he slid the ball into the corner from the edge of the area after Peter Jehle had cleared Kyle Lafferty's effort with his feet.

He scored his second goal of the game in the 74th minute and it was a cool finish as well after a delightful through-ball from Keith Gillespie.

Healy completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute, showing great composure after being released by Steve Davis as the goalkeeper looked on helplessly.

Franz Burgmeier pulled a goal back in stoppage time but substitute Grant McCann had the final word, heading home a cross from Gillespie.

Healy said: "You do not score many hat-tricks in your career so to grab two in the same qualifying series is special. Hopefully we can go on now and qualify for a major tournament. We are starting to make a bit of a name for ourselves."

The only downside for Northern Ireland is that Gillespie is suspended for the midweek showdown against Sweden after being shown another yellow card on his 75th appearance.