OG heartache for NI against Wales ends Euros dream

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Gareth McAuley has no choice by to try to get a foot to the ball, only to slide it past Michael McGovern. Credit: PA

  • Northern Ireland 0 - 1 Wales

In the opening 45 minutes, Wales thought they had gone ahead through Aaron Ramsey, but his goal was dismissed as he was flagged for offside.

It was Northern Ireland who otherwise had the better of the first half though.

In the second, there was a big chance for Gareth Bale but his free kick was expertly saved by Michael McGovern in the Northern Ireland net.

Disaster struck for Michael O’Neill’s side though when Gareth McAuley’s own goal put their opponents into the lead late on.

Having already brought on Conor Washington for Jamie Ward, further substitutions were then made – with Niall McGinn replacing Oliver Norwood and Josh Magennis coming on for McAuley.

Despite their efforts, Northern Ireland just couldn’t find an equaliser.

They piled the pressure on in the dying minutes, with even goalie McGovern heading up the pitch for one final push on goal.

But the one-nil result sends Wales through to the quarter-finals.

NI captain Steven Davis, pictured with Will Grigg, applauds the fans. Credit: PA

The Northern Ireland team have done their fans proud though, having qualified for the tournament - their first major outing in three decades - in style and going on to reach the last 16 of the tournament.

The Green and White Army have become known around the world for their enthusiam, singing their hearts out win or lose and Saturday was no different.

Even after the defeat, they were still making themselves heard and the NI team hailed them for their unwavering support.