Northern Ireland made history by beating Ukraine 2-0 to claim their first ever win at a European Championships, giving them a chance of making the last 16.
Michael O’Neill made wholesale changes to his side following their opening game defeat to Poland, changing five of his starting lineup. But the alterations worked as Northern Ireland were the better of the two sides, claiming the points their performance deserved.
Gareth McAuley gave Northern Ireland the lead with a header just after the restart, with Niall McGinn scoring in stoppage time to secure the points for his side. It marked the country’s first win at a major tournament since their famous triumph over Spain at the 1982 World Cup.
O’Neill’s side will now turn their thoughts towards making even more history, with their chances of making Euro 2016’s knockout rounds given a shot in the arm with victory over Ukraine in Lyon.
Northern Ireland's defender Gareth McAuley (L) scores the opening goal during the Euro 2016 group C football match between Ukraine and Northern Ireland at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium in Décines-Charpieu near Lyon on June 16, 2016.
Image credit: AFP
TALKING POINT - Have Northern Ireland done enough to make the last 16?
In the European Championships’ new format three points could be enough to make the knockout rounds. Northern Ireland will be hoping it’s enough after their win over Ukraine. They face world champions Germany in their final group game, so could a single victory be enough for O’Neill’s side? Could they be set to make even more history.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Jamie Ward
Against Poland Michael O’Neill’s side were lacking in attacking intent, but they found it in abundance against Ukraine, with Jamie Ward the most impressive man in green on the pitch. He provided a constant outlet down the right side and caused the opposition problems with his crossing and driving running. The Nottingham Forest man was exceptional.
Northern Ireland's midfielder Jamie Ward (L) and Northern Ireland's midfielder Stuart Dallas celebrate their team's win after the Euro 2016 group C football match between Ukraine and Northern Ireland at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium in Décines-Charp
Image credit: AFP
PLAYER RATINGS
Ukraine - Pyatov 7, Shevchuk 6, Rakytski 5, Khacheridi 5, Fedetskyi 5, Sydorchuk 5, Stepanenko 5, Yarmolenko 4, Kovalenko 6, Konoplyanka 5, Selezniov 6. Subs - Garmash 5, Zinchenko 5, Zozulya 5.
Northern Ireland - McGovern 8, Evans 7, Cathcart 8, McAuley 8, Hughes 6, Norwood 8, Davis 8, Evans 7, Dallas 7, Ward 8, Washington 6. Subs - McGinn 7, Magennis 6, McNair.
KEY MOMENTS
6’ FIRST SHOT ON GOAL! Dallas takes the ball about 30 yards on the left wing and fires off the snapshot to try and catch the keeper off guard, but Pyatov gets down to make the save.
18’ SHOT FROM DISTANCE! Ukraine are passing the ball around better now, but when it comes to Sydorchuk he elects to shoot from range. There was plenty power, but not much direction.
30’ WASHINGTON COULDN'T SORT OUT HIS FEET! Ward did well down the right side, crossing into his teammate. But he couldn't quite gather it and tumbles to the ground under pressure.
36’ JUST OVER THE BAR! Norwood's deliveries from corners have been excellent and this time he puts one right on the head of Cathcart. But he can only head his effort over the target.
48’ PAST THE POST! That wasn't to far away from an opener for Ukraine. Selezniov rose highest from a corner kick but sent his header just past the target. Northern Ireland survive.
49’ GOAL! Ukraine 0 Northern Ireland 1: Can you believe it? Northern Ireland have the lead in Lyon! McAuley met a freekick at the back post and thundered home a header! 1-0 to O'Neill's men.
Northern Ireland's Gareth McAuley celebrates after scoring their first goal
Image credit: Reuters
50’ WHAT A CHANCE FOR UKRAINE! Selezniov lost his marker just moments after Northern Ireland took the lead and really should have scored. He could only head straight at McGovern.
57’ NORWOOD HAS A SHOT SAVED! The midfielder hit the effort from about 25 yards out, but after coming through a few bodies, skidding along the turf, Pyatov gathers it in the Ukrainian goal.
59’ MATCH SUSPENDED: Adverse weather conditions. Indeed, the referee has decided to take the players off the pitch for the moment. The hailstones were thundering down on the pitch.
61’ PLAY BACK UNDER WAY! The players are back out on the pitch and the game has started again. That was peculiar. It was a cloud burst of massive proportions. Huge hailstones!
86’ MCGOVERN MAKES THE SAVE! The cross comes in from the Ukrainian left wing, with Zinchenko rising highest to meet the ball on the leap. But McGovern gathers to deny him.
96’ GOAL! Ukraine 0 Northern Ireland 2: Absolutely sensational! Northern Ireland have secured the points. Pyatov makes the save from the initial shot, but McGinn fires home the finish.
Northern Ireland's midfielder Niall McGinn (C) celebrates his team's win after the Euro 2016 group C football match between Ukraine and Northern Ireland at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium in Décines-Charpieu near Lyon on June 16, 2016. Northern Irelan
Image credit: AFP
KEY STATS
Northern Ireland won their first ever match at the European Championships.
Gareth McAuley has now scored three goals in his last six competitive matches for Northern Ireland.
MATCH IN A TWEET
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