Northern Ireland has qualified for Euro 2016 by winning Group D. Michael O’Neill’s men had already sealed a place in France with a 3-1 victory over Greece on Thursday night.
They sealed top spot by drawing 1-1 with Finland on Sunday evening and finished a point clear of second place Romania. Their qualification for the European Championships is their first for a major championship since the World Cup in 1986.
Finishing top of the group has created a bit of history, as Northern Ireland became the first fifth seeds to win their group in qualifying for the European Championships.
It looked like O’Neill’s team were about to seal their qualification with another win, as on the half hour mark they took the lead.
Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn produced a cross to the near post, where Watford centre-back Craig Cathcart headed past Finland ‘keeper Lukas Hradecky.
The home side equalised with just three minutes left on the clock. Finland substitute Kasper Hamalainen cushioned a header to Paulus Arajuuri, who stabbed an effort past McGovern in the Northern Ireland goal.
In the end the goal meant very little to Northern Ireland, as 2,200 visiting fans celebrated their teams major achievement.
Can Michael O’Neill’s side make an impact at Euro 2016?
Wow, really wasn’t expecting Northern Ireland to qualify to the Euros… Must say that I’m surprised by them.