adminNice. — Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik broke Northern Ireland hearts yesterday after rifling home the only goal in their Euro 2016 Group C opener in Nice.
Poland had never won a game before at the European Championship, with three draws and three losses over two appearances in 2008 and 2012 — the latter a tournament that they co-hosted with Ukraine.
Now they can look forward to a spicy tie with neighbours Germany in the Stade de France on June 16 with eyes on a spot in the last 16.
The result dents Northern Ireland’s pre-tournament hopes of qualifying from a tough group as one of the four best third-placed teams, with a win now essential against Ukraine in Lyon the same day.
Adam Nawalka’s side dominated the game but took time to break down a stubborn defence, Milik’s strike early in the second half coming after several missed chances in the first.
For Michael O’Neill’s side, it was a disappointing end to their first ever European Championship match, and first major tournament appearance since the 1986 World Cup. — AFP.
Online Reporter