Northern Ireland defeat Ukraine 2-0 in second Group C game (updated)

Gareth McAuley's superb header and Niall McGinn's goal in the injury time gifted Northern Ireland a 2-0 victory over Ukraine at the Stade de Lyon here on Thursday in their second EURO 2016 Group C game.

In the 49th minute, central midfielder Oliver Norwood floated a free-kick into the area and McAuley ran clear of Ukraine's defender Khacheridi, rising high and heading in.

McGinn pounced on a rebound to seal all three points for Northern Ireland in the 96th minute.

History was made as Northern Ireland, who lost to Poland 1-0 in the opener, won their first ever game at a European Championship final.

"We produced a great reaction after the Poland game and now we have something to show for it," said McAuley. "We've got another tough game against Germany but we're delighted and hopefully we'll grow more confident."

Ukraine had better spell of possession and created several good chances but they didn't finish them off, while Northern Ireland did better in attacking.

"We made major mistakes on the pitch. We weren't prepared enough mentally," said Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko. "Perhaps our players overestimated the opponent and underestimated the effort needed to get victory. We allowed them to play their own football - that's why we lost."

Northern Ireland players wore black armbands to pay their respect to a soccer fan who died after a fall following the team's defeat by Poland.

Northern Ireland will face world champions Germany next in their final group stage game.

Ukraine should beat Poland next Tuesday and hope the Irish lose heavily to Germany to advance. Endit