UEFA EURO 2016

Northern Ireland enjoy win over Ukraine

Veteran Gareth McAuley and substitute Niall McGinn netted as Northern Ireland shocked Ukraine 2-0 at Euro 2016 yesterday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout phase, reports UNB.
A flying header from West Bromwich Albion defender McAuley and McGinn's injury-time strike at a hailstone-battered Stade de Lyon gave Ireland their first win at a European Championship finals.
Michael O'Neill's side produced the perfect reaction to losing their Group C opener 1-0 to Poland, giving them everything to play for against world champions Germany in next Tuesday's final group game.
"It's special. It'll sink in probably over the next few days," said McAuley.
"It was the team performance that was pleasing tonight, it was the reaction from getting beaten against Poland.
"We've got a tough game to look forward to now and we've got something to play for, that's what we wanted."
McAuley also wrote himself into the history books.
At 36 years and 194 days, he is the second oldest goalscorer at a Euro finals, after Ivica Vastic, who was two years, 63 days older when he converted a penalty for Austria against Poland at Euro 2008.
The victory is just desserts for O'Neill.
The Northern Irish manager made five changes from his starting line-up after his side had failed to impose themselves on Poland, including dropping top scorer Kyle Lafferty.

 

UEFA EURO 2016

Northern Ireland enjoy win over Ukraine

Veteran Gareth McAuley and substitute Niall McGinn netted as Northern Ireland shocked Ukraine 2-0 at Euro 2016 yesterday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout phase, reports UNB. A flying header from West Bromwich Albion defender McAuley and McGinns injury-time strike at a hailstone-battered Stade de Lyon gave Ireland their first win at a European Championship finals. Michael ONeills side produced the perfect reaction to losing their Group C opener 1-0 to Poland, giving them everything to play for against world champions Germany in next Tuesdays final group game. Its special. Itll sink in probably over the next few days, said McAuley. It was the team performance that was pleasing tonight, it was the reaction from getting beaten against Poland. Weve got a tough game to look forward to now and weve got something to play for, thats what we wanted. McAuley also wrote himself into the history books. At 36 years and 194 days, he is the second oldest goalscorer at a Euro finals, after Ivica Vastic, who was two years, 63 days older when he converted a penalty for Austria against Poland at Euro 2008. The victory is just desserts for ONeill. The Northern Irish manager made five changes from his starting line-up after his side had failed to impose themselves on Poland, including dropping top scorer Kyle Lafferty.