Northern Ireland nets historic Euro 2016 win, beats Ukraine

Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn scored to give Northern Ireland a massive victory at Euro 2016.

Gareth McAuley's 49th-minute header and Niall McGinn's strike deep into stoppage time secured Northern Ireland's first victory at a major tournament since the 1982 World Cup and first ever in a European Championship, as a 2-0 win over Ukraine puts the side in better position to qualify for the knockout stage.

Both Ukraine and Northern Ireland lost in their opening matches of the competition, and it looked like they'd split the point after a fruitless first half. McAuley's clinical header off Oliver Norwood's long free kick broke the deadlock, though, and Northern Ireland defended resolutely to keep Ukraine scoreless through two matches. McGinn tacked on the latest goal ever scored in regulation at a European Championship–a day after Dimitri Payet had set the mark for France–and that strike could prove to be valuable should a place at the knockout stage come down to goal differential.

The match was delayed momentarily by a hail storm, with the referees taking the players off the field in the 57th minute, but they returned soon after to complete the match.

Watch the goals below: 

It’s a bit wet in Lyon but the match continues...#UKR 0-1 #NIR

(McAuley 49)pic.twitter.com/lCHRE6Vzs3

— 1960Bet Official (@1960betng) June 16, 2016

For up-to-the-minute Euro 2016 standings, schedules and statistics, go to our tournament home.

Ukraine will play Poland in a meeting of Euro 2012 co-hosts to wrap up group play, while Northern Ireland meets reigning World Cup champion Germany.