Northern Ireland claim historic win against Ukraine

After just 4 minutes, space opened up on the left for Dallas to strike the ball towards goal, but it ended up being a comfortable save for the Ukrainian goalkeeper down to his left.  

Ukraine waited till the 24th minute when Rakitskiy tried to take advantage of the wet conditions in Lyon by striking the ball from distance, but McGovern did well to secure the ball into his hands as Seleznyov waited to pounce inside the six-yard box.

Four minutes later, Northern Ireland were close after Shevchuk low cross towards the near post almost finds Washington, but he just couldn’t sort out his feet in time to fire at goal.

The Irish created another opportunity on the 34th minute. Ward whipped a dangerous cross into the box and Cathcart rose above his marker to guide a header towards goal, only to see his effort drifting just over the bar.

Northern Ireland kept growing in confidence and on the 42nd minute managed to catch Ukraine out at the back with a quick free-kick as Hughes sent Davis down the right inside channel. The skipper fired a good shot, but Pyatov made a good save to keep his team level.

Four minutes into the second half, Northern Ireland’s efforts paid off as McAuley gave Northern Ireland the lead. The defender pulled off his man at the back post and made a great connection with Norwood's cross, sending the ball into the top corner.

For the disappointment of the Irish, the referee suspended the match on the 58th minute since hail fell inside the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. However, after 2 minutes, the players were back in the pitch.

On the 70th minute, Ukraine were very close to score an equalising goal. Kovalenko latched on to a knockdown from Seleznyov and drilled the ball towards the top corner, only to see his strike drifting inches past the post.

Ukraine wasted another chance when space opened up for Kovalenko on the 76th minute, but he saw his a low strike going well wide of the post.

Three minutes from time, Ukraine had another opportunity through shots from distance. Yarmolenko went past his man on the right and cut in to drill a left-footed strike towards goal, but McGovern came to the rescue for his team with a fine diving stop.

Despite Ukraine’s efforts in attack, Northern Ireland doubled the score 6 minutes into the additional time. Magennis created an opening with a strong run down the right and his cross was left by the midfielder for Dallas to strike. Pyatov saved the shot, but McGinn was on hand to turn in the rebound.

Ukraine line up (4-2-3-1): Pyatov; Fedetskiy, Khaceridi, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk; Stepanenko, Sydorchuck; Yarmolenko, Kovalenko, Konoplyanka; Seleznyov.

Northern Ireland line up (4-5-1): McGovern; Hughes, Cathcart, McAuley, Jonny Evans; Ward, Norwood, Davis, Corry Evans, Dallas; Washington.

Yellow cards

Seleznyov (Ukraine), Ward (Northern Ireland), Sydorchuk (Ukraine), Dallas (Northern Ireland), Evans (Northern Ireland).

Referee

Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)