Poland v Northern Ireland Match of the Day Live

England have never won their opening match at the European Championships.

Eric Dier smashes it! England find a way, it's a dynamite strike from

Eric Dier. Good header! Berezutski! Gareth Bale for Wales, in! He's done

it again! And now the chance, the equalising goal! It's a good ball,

Aaron Ramsey. Hal Robson-Kanu for Wales! 50 years they have waited.

Good afternoon, after England and Wales had mixed fortunes in their

opening matches today it's the turn of Northern Ireland, it's been 30

years since they graced a major football tournament and the whole

country is getting ready to get behind the team.

When it comes to sport, Northern Ireland has always punched above its

weight. Whether it is boxing, rugby, horse racing, or football. Remember

the special moments. Mind you, ask golfers haven't done too badly

either. Through the years many have claimed their place in the Northern

Ireland sporting Hall of Fame. These heroes help to unite Northern

Ireland and now it's your turn. You have already given us memorable

moments. Magical Windsor Park nights and on her big -- unforgettable

goals. But that's just the beginning and now it's your chance to shine on

the biggest stage of all. Coming home to Northern Ireland as a major

champion was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It's an

honour for us to have the opportunity to represent Northern

Ireland around the world and to put our little country on the sporting

map. When you walk out at that stadium take a moment to think about

our sporting icons, what they achieved and how this is your chance

to take your place alongside them. Feel the pride of what it means to

represent your country with the world watching. We are proud of you,

so do would you always do, dear to dream. Rory McIlroy wasn't even born

when Northern Ireland competed in the 1986 World Cup so can this

current squad go down in sporting history alongside those greats?

Michael O'Neill's side arrived in France after topping their

qualifying group. There is real belief they can cause a shock or two

in the group. They start against Poland, the biggest threat comes

from Robert Lewandowski who scored 13 times in their qualifying

campaign. They finished second, just a point behind world champions

Germany but are yet to win a game at these finals. With us to enjoy this

match we have former Northern Ireland captain and newly appointed

Hibernian manager Neil Lennon alongside Rio Ferdinand and Jermaine

Jenas. Monumental day, historical day and a proud day I imagine? I was

getting emotional watching the footage, Barry McGuigan, I grew up

in that generation, I never thought in my lifetime I would see it again

but we are here at this moment, what the players and what Michael have

achieved to be here is fantastic. What does it mean to the country?

Huge. Back then it inspired a new generation and we hope this will do

the same. Football is massive in Northern Ireland, we have been

craving things like this for a long time. You can applaud the decision

to expand the tournament because it gives countries like Northern

Ireland more chances of qualifying. Yes but we finished top of the

groups and even if it hadn't been expanded we finished top of the

group which makes it more remarkable as we would have still qualified.

The turnaround has been even more incredible when you think that they

won the group and subway and are on a great unbeaten run. They were top

of the group, the qualifying campaign was extraordinary. It was,

the job Michael O'Neill has done, if you look at the players he has to

choose from, it's pretty phenomenal that not only did they make it but

the top to the group, scoring 16 goals, a great campaign, Kyle

Lafferty scoring seven goals. So much positivity and they seem to

have a club spirit about them and I think that is what they will need to

harness. They have difficult opponents today in Poland. Yes, it's

funny I was walking around the city earlier today and the Polish bands

are here and you ask them how you think they will do and the first

name that comes up is Robert Lewandowski, he gives them the hope.

Gareth Bale similar for Wales, he is that man, the go to die. This guy,

top scorer in the Bundesliga last season, breaking records left right

and centre. They have to stop him to stop this Polish team. It's the

togetherness they had in qualifying that they will need in this

tournament. It's the sum of its parts, we don't have individual

brilliance and we have always had great spirit but this is a real

camaraderie. Michael O'Neill has found a way of playing which suits

the players, he's found a formula which gets results. I would not be

surprised if we got a decent result today so long as they handle the

occasion. Very much so. As we have mentioned its been awhile since

Northern Ireland have been on the big stage but they've made an impact

before as Stephen Watson explains. 1958 Northern Ireland were flying

off to a first ever major tournament, the World Cup in Sweden.

A shock win over the mighty Italy to qualify and a strong performance in

the group stages set up a play-off with Czechoslovakia to reach the

quarterfinals. At 2-1, the win shocked the world of football. The

tactics have always been to equalise before the other team scored. Those

unorthodox tactics didn't quite work against France in the quarters but

the amazing performance in 1958 served as inspiration for future

generations. When you heard the stories, that they were telling us

about the games against West Germany, against Czechoslovakia, it

started to so little seed and think could we do it? We certainly could.

After an impressive qualification campaign we were off to Spain in

1982. We hoped to draw against Yugoslavia which we did. The second

game against Honduras we had planned to win but we slipped up and ended

up drawing. We have got one game left and believe we still have a

chance against Spain. We had a great, great desire and a great

spirit mixed with Catholics and Protestants playing in the team,

really strong. We would be disappointed to know we had come off

the field at 0-0, I think I would rather get turned over having not

decided to attack them. I spoke to Joe Jordan the other night and he

went out and scored, are you superstitious? If I score tonight I

will be! We knew we would have three, four, five opportunities and

it was one of those, breaking from deep inside our own half, a long run

and I am still surprised that he got past anybody and crossed ball of

that quality into the box and then the upper Ju Reti presented itself

and I did what I had to do. -- thin the opportunity presented itself.

Northern Ireland have done it against all the odds! France did for

us again in the quarterfinals but it did not dampen the spirits too much.

And we were back at it four years later, another World Cup, Mexico

1986. To finish playing against Brazil, on my 41st birthday, I could

not have dreamt that up. The 3-0 defeat would be Northern Ireland's

last in a major tournament until now. 30 years on, you attend

supporters functions that they want to talk about, 82 and 86, 58, now we

can stop talking about them and start talking about the 2016 side. I

played with him at Leicester many years ago. It's been a long time

coming. It has, it is wonderful. Since the advent even of the Premier

League we have not had a tournament and the fan base and support that

the Northern Ireland fans give in England is huge so to be back on the

main stage is incredible. Everyone at home will be glued to the TV

right now. Memories of those tournaments? 1982, Norman Whiteside

the youngest ever player, Pat Jenyns in goal, one of the best ever. They

had a good team. They got out of the group, beating Spain in Spain so a

fantastic run. The following World Cup in Mexico was a bit more

difficult but that team, we still talk about them now. It just shows

you can perform and get results. Definitely and I think Leicester are

a shining example of that, a lot of the young players in this team, the

Manchester United contingent, I have seen them grow up and what they do

have which I have seen in qualifying is a good temperament. They have had

games where they have been behind or they haven't looked like the

favourites but they find a way and that's an important factor in any

team. If you can find a way which suits you and you are comfortable

with it and understand what the manager is putting out for you it is

a powerful thing to have. It's amazing how powerful systems can be,

you have 11 players moving around a football pitch. We saw it with Wales

yesterday, when you play three at the back teams can find it hard to

play against and break down because you don't come up against it often.

Today that is something this Northern Ireland team can use in the

game. These are the starting XIs for these games.

Kyle Lafferty passed a fitness test on Friday, he scored seven goals in

qualifying. No man scored more qualifying goals

than Robert Lewandowski who scored 13. His strike partner Milik

assisted on four occasions. Let's start with the Northern

Ireland line-up, we can actually go pitch side were Stephen Watson is

with our player who sadly can't be on the pitch today, Chris Brunt.

Chris Brunt played eight of the ten qualifying games and no doubt would

have been on the field today but sadly is still recovering from a

knee injury sustained in February. How difficult is it not being out

there? It's absolutely devastating. The last couple of weeks and the

build-up and the sendoff from the people in Belfast, I have been

following it online and it's been hard to watch. But I'm belated to be

here today supporting the lads. It's a fantastic experience, I am not

getting on the pitch to be around the squad is great. You had an

opportunity to train with the team yesterday and travelled on the team

bus, how are they feeling? They are ready, excited. As everyone's been

saying it's been a long time coming since we've been in a major

tournament, reparation has been done now and the game is here and I think

everyone is raving to go. Everyone expected Michael O'Neill to go 3-5-

two, he has surprised us, what do you make of the situation? I think

three at the back suits us. Two upfront, that's changed, but Steve

Davis is more than capable of getting forward. What about the

atmosphere today, it's quite unbelievable, it seems half of

Northern Ireland is here including your own family? Yeah, my dad,

brother and sister are here, my brother is on his stag do so I don't

know what sort of state he's in but the fans have been in here all day

in full voice and it's nice to see everyone mixing together which you

don't see often. OK, Chris, thanks for the moment.

They have renamed the George Best Belfast City Airport today after

Kyle Lafferty! Just for the day, I presume! You know what it's like to

miss out on a tournament, in South Africa, especially after having

waited so long, your heart goes out for Chris? Definitely, devastation

is the word. It happened to me on the eve of the game. For him to be

there soaking it up and being their first hand to witness what he's

missing, it must be very difficult for him. But it shows you the team

spirit, he is on the team bus, he's travelling with the team. The team

have brought him in because they want him to feel part of it and he

has played a huge part. I think it's the reason he's going with a back

three, because Chris is not playing at left-back. The whole system has

changed because of his absence. It's a huge loss because not only can he

play a bit, his set piece delivery is fantastic as well. He's a loss.

Any surprises in that line up for you? I think the fact that Steven

Davis is playing so high up the pitch. It's a positive thing, even

though Jamie Ward has been an important player and a very good

technical player for Northern Ireland. It's going to be

interesting to see the old that Steven Davis plays, so high up the

pitch. We will continue our build-up to Northern Ireland Poland shortly,

but a glorious day for Wales yesterday. Victory over Slovakia

meant they became the first British side to win their opening game in a

European Championship. Hal Robson-Kanu's goal gave them their

first victory in a match at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

A spectacular victory. It was an real. They've been waiting a very

long time for a tournament. Huge expectation on the likes of Gareth

Bale's shoulders but they stood up and delivered yesterday. Speaking to

a couple of their players yesterday, ending songs on the way back to the

hotel, they were really enjoying it and I would love to seal the home

nations having that type of vibe after a game. The lift it gives to

the team and the nation and the people supporting that country is

immense and the players feed off that. You could see it in the

stadium, the players feed off that. You know what it's like, the 12th

man, it gives you that extra lift. I suppose as well it gives other home

nation countries, the smaller nations of football like Northern

Ireland, a glimmer of hope, doesn't it? Wales winning yesterday? Oh

yeah. Slovakia equalised and Harry ready good spell and Wolves came

again and went on to win the game. The atmosphere in the stadium

yesterday was brilliant and at times the game was end to end and I think

we will see more games like that. The commitment from teams who

haven't been here before is fantastic. You were watching England

in Marseille, what did you make of the performance? I thought it was

every performance from England. It was one that excited everyone, it

was free-flowing, there was good movement within the team and I was

delighted with the way Wayne Rooney played. I thought he dictated the

game from the start until he came off, which I wasn't happy to see to

be honest, but I thought it was a very good performance from England.

A bitter pill to swallow with the late goal at the end but hopefully

they can get it out of their system and have positivity. Less pleasing

news in Marseille with the trouble that has been down there for the

last three days. Uefa have made a statement, a warning to both England

and Russian fans. If I may read it... "Uefa has expressed its

disgust for the violent clashes which occurred in Marseille. Such

unacceptable behaviour by so-called supporters of the national teams of

England and Russia has no place in football, a sport we must protect

and defend. The Uefa executive committee has warned both

associations that irrespective of any decisions relating to actions

inside the stadium, it will not hesitate to impose further sanctions

on the football Association and the Russian football Federation.

Including the disqualification of their respective teams from the

tournament, should such violence occur again. You were there, did you

witness any such goings-on? In the stadium, yes. Just before the final

whistle there were flares being fired from the Russian fans into the

England fans. There was a huge bang in the stadium at one point when I

think it was a firecracker that went off. As soon as the final whistle

goes, they just completely rust, there was no segregation whatsoever

between the England fans and the Russian fans and the Russian fans

completely rushed all the England fans and they had to burst out of

the tunnel. There were children, there were women... It was horrible

scene that did not belong at such an unbelievable tournament. I just hope

the powers that be get the right intelligence and don't punish the

England fans if we are the people getting set upon. Innocent

bystanders are getting hurt. If they have to make a decision, I just hope

they get the right intelligence. What they've always said is that

they can only make decisions about what happens in the stadiums, not in

the town centres as well, which sounds like a bit of a different

story from what we've seen. Surely there is a responsibility from the

tournament to get the segregation right inside the stadium, a policing

matter. It's easy to point the finger at England and Russia... It's

complex but hopefully things will calm down otherwise teams could be

thrown out. In about 25 minutes Northern Ireland kick off their Euro

2016 campaign in Nice. It is eco-friendly, draws over three times

its own energy requirements from huge solar panels. 35,000 fans will

be in the arena for this match. Michael O'Neill is only the third

manager to guide Northern Ireland to a major tournament finals, so he

will be a very proud man today. Let's hear from him. Qualification

over what is essentially a 14 month period and ten tough games, to only

lose one game, as we did come subsequently go on and be unbeaten

since then gives me great confidence that we are in great shape. There

are a lot of players now that have got accustomed to playing

international football. They come in in a good frame of mind and get

results. If you're not going to have belief now, you're never going to

have it. It is a very tough group. But we aim to spring a few surprises

and hopefully we can go beyond the group stage. How important is the

opening game of the campaign for Northern Ireland? It's essential,

really. I think when you're a small country you need to be able to get

momentum and belief in your squad can rise dramatically. I look at our

squad after three straight wins in qualification and it was a different

group of players, they evolved into a different group of players in a

very short space of time. If we go and we can win the opening game or

we don't lose the opening game, I think you put yourself into a

position where if we can win one of the other two games we can qualify.

There is an honesty in our team, very hard-working team, but no lack

of quality. I don't want people to think we are just a one-dimensional

team, difficult to beat and hard-working. At the end of the day

we were the top goal-scorers in our group, we scored 18 goals in ten

games. What's most important for me is those are the qualities that keep

us competitive. Let's head back to Stephen and crisp pitch side,

because Chris of course knows Mr O'Neill very well indeed. The

Northern Ireland players all week have been talking about how much

they want to perform for Michael O'Neill on this stage, the respect

they have for him. Chris, what is Michael like as a boss? Yacob he's

fantastic. The first four years were difficult but that was a transition

period for us. -- yeah, he's fantastic. He's a humble man, he's a

good guy as well. I think you can see the spirit and the togetherness

in all the players, the medical staff, it's just great, it's a great

place to be around. He's also very meticulous in his planning. What

areas of Poland will he be wanting to target today? Yeah, he leaves no

stone unturned. We just turn up and train and play. I think set pieces

are obviously a big thing for us. Even the way he has set out the

team, he was expecting two strikers and he has dropped a left midfielder

in there. The main things we can exploit... How key will his three

Premier League defenders Peter Day to deal with the threat of

Lewandowski? I think that's very key, three experienced guys as well,

Craig and Gareth and Jonny. Three good defenders. They will need to be

at the top of their game to look after Lewandowski today. Thanks,

chaps. He seems to be a very canny motivator of players, Michael

O'Neill? Very intelligent guy. I've known Michael since we were kids. He

came into management late, you know? He was saying on TV the other week

he was out shopping with his Mrs and he said he had to get back into

football like the old days! Yeah, smooth, really into his stats, he

will study the opposition and give players simple instructions. It's a

common-sense approach that aims to have worked. He's got the best out

of the likes of Lafferty. He was really ill disciplined and kept

getting sent off in games for Northern Ireland but Michael had a

word with him and put his arm around him and he's been a talisman.

Extraordinary turnaround. One win in a team going into the turnaround has

been an believable. A lot of it is down to Michael obviously, getting

the best out of quality players we have. He's found a way of getting

results. Players from different divisions? It's unbelievable because

Neil touched on the banks of how this important -- how important this

tournament is to Northern Ireland. But can you imagine players going

from League 1 and laying on this type of stage against the likes of

Lewandowski, what they must be feeling is unbelievable. They've all

so got three centre halves who know the Premier League very well. Steven

Davis is that real Premier League quality. Lafferty, if he gets a

chance in this team, he puts the ball in the back of the net. They

seem to set themselves up to be hard to beat. Danger particular from set

pieces. He said before, they were obscure as in qualifying in their

group. This is where they are key. Delivery and layer is willing to

attack the ball. They've got three big centre halves, all big guys.

McAuley, really aggressive, really determined. When you go to Europe

and play against these type of teams like a Polish teams, they are not

accustomed to the aggression the British guys have from set pieces.

You can cause problems for these teams. These guys will be a danger

from set pieces but I'm sure the Polish will know about that, for

sure. We've seen already in this tournament, teams are not

necessarily brilliantly organised from corners or free kicks. Yeah,

and the keepers so far have made a mistake for most of the gold in the

tournament. Put them under pressure, but the ball under the crossbar and

see if he has the capability to deal with it. OK, Bayern Munich striker

Robert Lewandowski is Poland's biggest threat and he is regarded as

Poland's greatest ever striker. Remember the name. His parents were

so convinced he would be a start that they overlooked traditional

Polish names and call him Robert, so commentators would I do easier to

pronounce. 270 goals and a pile of records later, the international

sports media give thanks, but not as much as the supporters of Poznan,

Dortmund, Bayern Munich and of course Poland. Robert always loved

playing football. His success wasn't just down to his focus, it was down

to his love of the game. He didn't do it because he had to, because it

was his passion. His passion compensated for physical

disadvantages. His coaches fed him bacon to beat him up. Robert is

without question how key asset. He's a star and a star that works for the

team. His role as our talisman cannot be overstated. He plays this

role exceptionally. Never more so than in Poland's opening match of

their own European Championship four years ago.

COMMENTATOR: The star striker has got the goal! But that was as good

as it got. No wins, out in nine days. A rare low. He prefers the

freedom he enjoys in the white shirt as opposed to the more stringent

defences in the Bundesliga. This season he scored five in just nine

minutes against Wolfsburg. Some straitjacket! It was unbelievable,

you know? It was at the high point of his popular situation in Germany.

I think it's something that's never happening again in football, you

just have this special moment. Numbers can be numbing, so let's

boil it down to this. 42 in 51 games this season, 30 alone in the

Bundesliga. He's the first to reach that landmark in 40 years. In that

time of Gert Muller, it was easier to score that much because the

defences were not that strong. It's a great achievement. His father

didn't live to see his confidence justified. Robert is doing all he

can to ensure his name will be recited for many years to come.

As finishers go he is pretty lethal. Yes, the stats tell you that the

chance comes along he will put it in the back of the net. He has

everything, he is powerful, great stature, athletic, aggressive,

scores all types of goals, in and around the box he is cold, and

Iceman. He never looks rushed, he never looks like he doesn't see it,

everything is clear as day no matter where he is and he puts it in the

back of the net. And he runs behind, behind defenders and the

determination and bravery there, he runs behind you and defenders don't

like to run back towards the goal. It is effort, defenders want to

relax. This is a ridiculous header, the power they generates, back to

where it came from, he scores every type of goal and he's the type of

player that defenders lose sleep over. How do you stop him? How will

they do it? I don't know! LAUGHTER The three at the back might man Mark

him, it is an old-fashioned thing which Martin did sometimes, I don't

think that'll be the case because you don't do that often in modern

football. They need to try to stop the service into him. He is in that

bracket of Gareth Bale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, carrying the hopes of

his nation on his shoulders but if anyone can do it he can. Having

three centre-halves will give them confidence, there are bodies around

and it would be as much space, if it is two against one they could be

left one versus one, but hopefully there will be a bit of security with

the extra man. Trying to cut off the service, the man who has provided

much of that is Milik who has played up front with him. The joint top in

terms of number of assists in qualification, assisting the four of

the 13 goals Lewandowski scored. He is a player that Denis Burke camp as

praised heavily and I can see why. He is his type of player, he's got

that touch and that feel and he knows exactly where his strike

partner what's the ball. He's got a good eye for the past, the weight of

the past is important and he seems to have that. I think when you come

from that school of Ajax you have that quality, the breed you with it.

21 goals in 31 games which tells you he's pretty prolific as well. He's

another they will have to be careful of how the mark. Neil Lennon is

going a bit pale, we will move on to Northern Ireland. The week has been

dominated by the injury scare to Kyle Lafferty but he has been given

the all clear and the man who is crucial to the team starts today.

Kyle Lafferty on the turn, scores! Northern Ireland are now within

touching distance of Euro 2016. How big an impact can you make do you

think? For me, it's going to be a shot window, things are not going

well for me at my club so I will go there, go out there and run through

walls for the team and hopefully get a few goals. I will hold my hands up

and say that I have messed around and didn't show enough people the

respect that they deserved. I turned up whenever I wanted at the start of

my international career, did what I wanted. But I realised if I wanted

an international career I had to wise up and I've done that. I am

over the moon that Michael is the manager who is in charge when I

finally came out of my bubble and wanted to go places. What would you

say is the best piece of advice Michael O'Neill gave you? He said

basically believe in yourself and realise everyone needs new here.

They don't need have a view, they need the fully committed Kyle

Lafferty and everyone knows if he turns up in Northern Ireland can go

places. Do you have a favourite goal? Probably the most important

and emotional was against Hungary. Lafferty scores for Northern

Ireland! He's the magic man again! High school in the 93rd minute to

get a massive point -- I scored. Finally, can Northern Ireland spring

a real surprise to you think? I think we can, the group is tough but

I think the way the games are lined up suits us better. I think we can

get something from Poland and I am going to say we are very confident

of getting the results we need and making a name for ourselves and

showing teams and people that we are not just there by luck. We qualified

top of the group and this team is going places. He's had a strange

season but Michael O'Neill certainly gets the best out of him, how does

he do that? I think he gives them the responsibility of leading the

front line. He has weighed in with his goals. I'm not concerned about

him not playing much football because even during the campaign he

wasn't playing much at Norwich but Michael has got the best out of him.

I think there was an immaturity about him previously and Michael sat

him down and said I am giving you a responsibility, can you take it on?

He certainly done that. When he was at Rangers I came up against him a

few times when I was managing Celtic and he can be a real handful. He's

good in the air. He's a runner. He can play that role. Put the ball in

front of him and he loves it. A defender does not want to come short

of the ball. When he gets up there so far in this campaign he has been

showing he can finish. Something am a Michael O'Neill has taken someone

with an indiscipline problem and he has made him into a player who wants

to turn up every time and produce the goods. Reliant on service,

Steven Davis in midfield from Southampton is a particularly good

player. Yes, exactly what Gareth Bale is to Wales he is the man for

Northern Ireland. He is a very good technical player, a player we see

every week, in these clips we can see a number of goals he scores. I

don't really associate him as a major goal-scorer in midfield

because he's so creative and is usually the player that makes the

team kept. Towards the end of the season for Southampton he did get a

few goals, he's always been one of those players who is very clever,

can receive the ball in tight spaces, bring other players into

play. Technically very gifted, it will be interesting to see him play

higher up and closer to Lafferty this evening because if they are

going to score I am pretty sure they will come through him. Here we go,

Northern Ireland's first game at a major football tournament for three

decades. When you what I did that stadium in Nice take a moment to

think about our sporting icons. What they achieved and how this is your

chance to take your place alongside them. Feel the pride of what it

means to represent your country with the world watching. Now that you

will have support like never before. Come on Northern Ireland!

Indeed, your commentators in Nice are former Northern Ireland striker

Gerry Armstrong and Guy Mowbray. COMMENTATOR: Good afternoon

everyone, welcome to Nice and are simply huge occasion for the green

and white army. 30 years is a long, long time and yet somehow Northern

Ireland's last game at a major international tournament still seems

fresh in the mind. Perhaps largely due to a wonder strike from Brazil,

Pat Jenning is here today to celebrate his 71st birthday. Gerry

Armstrong, this must bring memories flooding back? It certainly is, I am

so proud of these boys and what they have achieved. All the games have

been tight so far in the competition, only one goal in it in

all of the games but Northern Ireland believe in themselves,

Michael 's done a fantastic job and I want to see what they can do on

the park. Make our country proud. You can feel the pride just looking

at the Northern Ireland faces. Out into the warm air as you would

expect down in this part of France at this time of year. Polish

supporters out in force as well. They fancy their chances having

never won a game before at the European Championships. Played six,

drawn three, lost three. Poland feel, largely thanks to their

brilliant number nine Robert Lewandowski that it might be a bit

different this time. Chris Baird the first to turn and face the

supporters. Before the action we will all stand and observe the

national anthems. And in contrast to what we witnessed

last night, applause from the Polish supporters throughout that. That is

the way to do it. Reciprocated by the Northern Ireland

supporters and applauded by one of their best ever.

A real moment in Steven Davis's career and in those of all those

following him down the line. A little more experience at this lofty

level in the Poland team. Poland have familiar names such as Wojciech

Szczesny in goal, preferred to Lukasz Fabianski. The main talent in

scoring goals with Milik regularly except plying them -- regularly

supplying them for Lewandowski. Blaszczykowski, his 80th cap

equalling the number one by the man we have just seen. It's a Romanian

refereeing team. For Arsenal supporters, he is the

man who sent off Olivier Zhu in the Champions League in Zagreb last

September. -- Olivier Giroud. Michael O'Neill surprised some by

reverting to a back four for this game with Conor McLaughlin on one

side and Jonny Evans on the other, playing for his country for the 50th

time. The team led by Steven Davis as ever and spearheaded by Kyle

Lafferty who is over the injury scare concerning his groin that he

suffered in training on Tuesday. Northern Ireland particularly adept

at shutting teams out. Might not be quite so easy against the side which

scored more goals in qualifying than anybody else, Poland. But their

total of 33 goals was boosted somewhat by bagging 15 in two games

against Gibraltar. Fittingly it will be the captain

Steven Davis who has the honour of kicking the ball at a major

tournament for Northern Ireland for the first time in 30 years. Many of

the games have started at quite a brisk pace, will we see the same? I

think both sides have gone bit more defensively minded, it's the same

old eulogy of not wanting to lose your opening game and trying to hold

onto what you've got but I think the game will develop and evolve over

the 20 minutes. Gareth McAuley has left the first

mark of the game, on Arcadia 's Milik. The referee is calling for

cool heads and calm. -- Arcadia 's . It was a late challenge on Milik,

who is a bright young star at Ajax. There is the main man to watch.

Tried to put it in but couldn't beat Steven Davis, who was immediately in

the way. Piszczek as to rely on the help of Szczesny, who was quick to

leave his penalty area. Milik again. Jonny Evans only succeeds in giving

the ball to Blaszczykowski. Shane Ferguson of Millwall gets the ball

out of play. Naturally left footed, he gives them a bit more balance on

that left-sided fears playing in front of Jonny Evans. -- if he is

playing in front of Jonny Evans. Craig Cathcart concedes possession.

Krychowiak. Milik, strong enough to keep the

ball. Might be a chance here for Piszczek! The writeback arrived at

the right time but couldn't pick out the right man. Excellent play on

this right-hand side, overlap from Lukasz Piszczek. Out for a corner

kick, early pressure from Poland. It seems that Piszczek does like to get

forward. He started out as a striker, the Borussia Dortmund man.

Lewandowski only got a flick to it. Kept in by Blaszczykowski, under

pressure from Norwood. Here comes Ferguson to win the ball clearly.

Szczesny with a high starting position again. Was a bit of a toss

of a coin for Adam Nawalka for who he picked in goal. Artur Boruc will

feel a little unlucky, -- Lukasz Fabianski will feel a little

unlucky. Artur Boruc of Bournemouth settled in third place these days.

Blaszczykowski, Gareth McAuley with him.

Kapustka, just his eighth cap. Milik.

Kapustka, space for the teenager. Milik once the ball in the middle

and Lewandowski inevitably as their too. Some good work done by Norwood.

Bright start by the polls. Really putting pressure on Northern

Ireland's defence. They have -- their defence has held firm though

far and polling restricted to shooting from outside the box.

Ferguson blocks, Blaszczykowski fired. Piszczek, missed by Milik

first time. Going to bounce now to judge a

they really have put in some good crosses from either flank. Kyle

Lafferty forces the defender to put that one out. Kyle Lafferty, a real

enigma of a player. Didn't kick a ball last season, frozen out when he

went to Birmingham, and yet a regular scorer at international

level. Northern Ireland have been there before with David Healy in

recent times. Yeah, we pop up with someone every tournament! That was

good play, he put him under pressure and forced him. There we see the

chance again, Milik swings at it and he misses it completely. Wasn't a

particularly good challenge by Cathcart. Cathcart gambled and...

Lewandowski, well policed. Jonny Evans claims that Lewandowski

through the arm back towards him and has taken issue with him. He's made

a point of it as well. Lewandowski the main man, he has scored more

goals than the whole of the Northern Ireland team put together, I would

wager. He is their talisman. But I think it takes more than just one

man to win a game. So far it's an orthodox five at the back, not

wingbacks, just five defenders. They are not -- Poland are overlapping

players like this on the left-hand side and they are putting crosses in

too easily, for me. Ferguson. There will be a little bit

of respite here. Well, excellent play. Closed in down very quickly on

this right-hand side. Piszczek likes to get forward, he an attacking

full-back. -- he is an attacking full-back. We're talking 30 years

ago, Gerry, 34 years. How many beers have you been bought because of that

goal against Spain? I think I've put on about three stone since then! Can

you imagine how many beers that is? Quite a few, then. Gerry, like

everybody supporting Northern Ireland, will be helping that that

goal will, in a few weeks' time, no longer be the most famous scored by

his countrymen. Poland sorrow, Lukasz Piszczek will

take it. Polish options, Milik had a go.

Didn't get the angle, didn't get the shot on target. There was one

mistake there, Conor McLaughlin sells himself short but look how

quickly the others are coming to close him down on the edge of the

box. He dives in too early, doesn't give away the free kick. When the

cross comes in I like how quickly he is pressurised there. Jonny Evans

squeezing Milik, the defender. Poland getting some joy down the

sides with their full-backs, Jedrzejczyk and peace cheque. Here

is Evans. -- and Piszczek. That was the intended recipient but

he sold short. Lewandowski won't leap for that one,

Ferguson heads away as far as he can.

Jedrzejczyk on this left-hand side, coming in as a left-back replacing

the injured player, he's a right footed player and you can see that,

he keeps checking in on his right foot. There is Jedrzejczyk, using

his left, not to great effect although there was some spin on the

ball but pushed back by Chris Baird. He doesn't look as good on his left

foot as he does on his right foot, Jedrzejczyk. It refers to check back

on his right. This is good from Steven Davis. -- he prefers to.

Blaszczykowski was being urged to go sooner than he did by Krychowiak.

Out to Jedrzejczyk again. Played predominantly as a writeback central

defender. Poland just being a little more

patient now, still continuing to boss the game in terms of moving the

ball around. I wouldn't be surprised to see how

composed they are in possession. The surprise was that they had never won

a game at the European Championships new consider their great players. I

think that those them under more pressure. It's been talked about at

the last two European Championships. It puts more pressure on. Most of

that on the shoulders of Lewandowski. Hasn't got the curl.

Kapustka thought he might be able to keep that in but he was always

losing that. He's 25 yards goal, Blaszczykowski, when he puts the

cross in. He needs to get closer to the byline to put a better cross in

to give Lewandowski a chance. That is what Michael O'Neill has done

well, you don't go 12 games unbeaten qualifying without having a bit of

organisation in what you're doing. He's just settling a little. Bounce

off the referee, didn't quite go for Norwood as he would have liked it

too. Szczesny out to Jedrzejczyk. Put under pressure, Lafferty now

turns his attentions to Glik. Cleverly done by Cathcart. Northern

Ireland are starting to play a bit of football themselves. They need to

keep possession more. Cathcart. Chris Baird helped him out. What a

proud moment it is for Fleetwood Town. Absolutely, fantastic. Must be

the only Fleetwood Town player I know to have played in a European

Championships. He's done so well in the qualifiers. Craig Cathcart

another one who has done well. Fleetwood fans will be equally as

proud if and when Jamie Vardy gets on the field in these championships.

I thought he would have featured last night. Quite a few did...

Cut out by Piszczek. McCauley has plenty of time. Plenty of experience

although he has never been at one of these before. 62nd appearance for

his country. Not bad for a 36-year-old, is it? He must have

thought this sort of thing would never happen to him. He's popped up

with seven goals for his country and that's a very good return for a

central defender. I think only Sergio Ramos, with ten goals, has

done better. Gareth McAuley probably fares rather better in the red card

front than Sergio Ramos. He has been sent off a lot for Real Madrid but

not so much for his national team, fourth Spain. He has got 130 caps,

though. A glance between the referee and his

assistant. Szczesny who spent most of last

season on loan at Roma, 44 appearances.

Here is Milik. Milik leaves the area.

Burst of pace from the midfielder. Got a deflection, goalkick. He is

more of a defensive midfield player, Maczynski, but he's done well.

Played some really good football, got himself in a good position and

the ricochet comes of Conor McLaughlin and it's one of his own

team-mates and goes out for a goal kick. That's a bit unfortunate from

his point of view but there are so many green jerseys coming to close

him down, it's a well-organised performance so far from Northern

Ireland. Ferguson, first chance he has had

brought while to venture forward. Oliver Norwood.

Up towards Lafferty. Kyle Lafferty again. Paddy McNair was hoping for

some sort of service from Lafferty. Norwood, to Ferguson. Ferguson

didn't really have any option other than the early ball but nobody was

there for it. Yes but you can see Northern Ireland starting to evolve,

settle down and pass the ball better. A bit more encouraging going

forward. Worth pointing out that Northern Ireland entered the

tournament on a run of 12 games unbeaten, which is the best run of

form of any team here in France. Blaszczykowski wins the corner for

Poland. Initially a good challenge from Ferguson, Blaszczykowski does

very well but the cover from Evans is super. Have seen teams defend

without a man on the post in quite a lot of the games we have seen so far

but Ferguson has gone to the back post here. Blaszczykowski in. That

was never hitting the back post. Disappointing from a Polish point of

view, the two centre-halves coming forward, Krychowiak is good in the

air as well but it was a poor cross. To counter the line on the form of

Northern Ireland, Poland pretty impressive themselves, only losing

two of the last 20 games. You can see why with what we have seen so

far. Can see why when you have him on the

field, Lewandowski. Continued to work for the chance. Lafferty

winning it in the air and chasing his own ball. We'll have to do a lot

more of that. Yes, I would like to see service coming into him better

so he can hold it up. It's difficult being the lone ranger. We heard that

from Rory McIlroy before the game, talking about Northern Ireland's

sporting legends. The referee was happy to let that

continue but not once he felt Krychowiak wasn't getting an

advantage. He's a powerful figure in the middle of central midfield.

Really good ball in. It had to be headed behind, it was wicked from

Piszczek, well met by Chris Baird. I don't think Chris Baird could do

much else. Michael McGovern has not had to make a save so far.

Blaszczykowski to deliver for Poland.

At his leisure. They are in, they are out, they are all over the place

in the penalty area. Finally the thumbs up. That was met quite well

by Piszczek. Blaszczykowski. Jonny Evans sliding them, took the ball

and the man. Corner given. Coming in with a great challenge. Wins the

ball and it's definitely a goalkick. It has come off the Polish player

last, Blaszczykowski. It certainly did. That's a good strike from

Piszczek. Nice bit of adjustment from Gareth McAuley to clear.

In towards Lewandowski. His every move followed by Cathcart.

Lewandowski has gone down after a collision with Evans and is not

getting up quickly. Now slowly back to his feet, the number nine. Just

at the edge of the penalty area, the ball doesn't reach. That is two

brushes between Evans and Lewandowski. I just wonder if it was

a reaction? Jonny Evans coming across saying it was accidental.

Perhaps went down to easily? I'd like to see the replay.

The green and white army is in fine voice.

Northern Ireland in qualifying had the second lowest possession of

teams that have made it to the tournament, but the most scoring

attempts in their qualifying group which shows you that the game is

changing. 18 goals in ten qualifying games I think is very credible.

That's a good ball. Out of play. Good cover from Craig Cathcart. The

attack down the left-hand side well and truly covered.

Poland have had two thirds of the ball. And three times as many shots,

there or thereabouts, passes rather. Probably three times as many shots

as well. Might be another one coming. Evans

in the way of it. Davies. Well done Steve Davis. Pushing

players forward, wide left and wide right, trying to get the right

service into Lewandowski. Michael McGovern not in any great

hurry to get the ball away. I'm sure Michael O'Neill will have told his

team to play the game in stages. Reach certain points. If it still

0-0, job done. Absolutely, longer it goes like that the better it will

be. Lewandowski gone down again, the REFEREE: Good position and didn't

see anything wrong. Ferguson looking for Lafferty.

Evans, Szczesny has come for it. Catches it. Isn't fast whatsoever by

the challenge from Lafferty. Fair challenge, and excellent goalkeeping

from Szczesny. Kaput scar. -- Kapustka.

Milik is on the move. Blaszczykowski. Nice little shimmy

away from Baird. Here is Jedrzejczyk, he will want it on his

right if he can. He's crossed it three times with his left foot and

it's been poor, you can see he's not natural on the left side and that's

why he's checking back on his right foot. That bodes well for Northern

Ireland as Shane Ferguson, a little and large show they are but showing

a lot of determination. Well done. Glik trying to find Milik. In that

the parole, Milik, again the run being covered by Gareth McAuley. --

in that deeper role. Just starting to see a bit of frustration from

this Polish side. I don't think Pazdan was too

impressed by the challenge from Paddy McNair. Lewandowski, through

the legs of Baird. Milik. Awkward one former governor -- for Michael

McGovern. Good run from Milik, does really well, change of direction on

his left foot, hits the target. Decent effort well covered by

Michael McGovern. First real shot on target and it's taken 28 minutes.

Evans, had more time than it at first appeared he had.

Davis. Very nice control, to shift the ball away from Kapustka.

Lafferty was so concerned with Glik that he couldn't get any timing into

jumping for the ball. I would like to see them hit him on the chest

with the ball, hold the ball up then he will get supporting play from

midfield. Paddy McNair is playing more as a central midfielder now.

Oliver Norwood on his left and Steve Davis on his right. A diamond shape.

He's won that one. Got the player as well. Maybe a little bit

unfortunate. Got a good chunk of the ball but Kapustka has won the free

kick. Given against McNair. Kamil Glik. Past the half-hour mark,

still Northern Ireland 0-0 Poland. This is Piszczek, this is Glik, this

is Milik! Arkadiusz Milik. Easily the best pizza play in the game.

Super pull-back from Kapustka. You expect a player of Milik's stature

to hit the target from there. He skips around the last defender and

then leans back and puts it over the top and that is a big miss for

Poland. What a let off for Northern Ireland. He was so composed, whether

he took the ball, whether he waited for the chance. He couldn't quite

put it back. -- hook it back. 24 goals for Ajax last season, 21 of

those in the Dutch league. There is the Polish FA chairman.

Zibi Boniek Full is the he was team-mates with the manager.

Iconic posters of him in the Juventus shirt. He was a fabulous

player, wasn't he? Well played, Shane Ferguson. Up towards Paddy

McNair. It looks like he's playing at the front of a diamond. Certainly

more advanced than I've seen him play before. A chance for Northern

Ireland now. Blaszczykowski stopped him and the

referee stops the attack. I thought it should have been a Northern

Ireland one, as it came off the Polish player last and through the

legs of Shane Ferguson. Handball, kaput scare. -- Kapustka.

Well spotted by the remaining referee.

-- well spotted by the Romain Ian referee.

The first time that Gareth McAuley has decided to go forward. I think

Northern Ireland are particular get that set plays and they need to get

forward into the Polish third much more often.

Paddy McNair might have to go back to Chris Baird. Now Chris Baird.

What can Lafferty do with this? Not enough.

Norwood delivers a pretty mean free kick and corner too. Nine of

Northern Ireland's 16 goals in qualifying came from set pieces. Six

from corners, three indirectly from free kicks. Ferguson.

Cathcart... Lafferty just very strongly manoeuvred Glik out of his

way. He looks around and then he runs back into Glik. I'm certain it

was a free kick. Blaszczykowski. Glik's header. Steven Davis then

turns his attentions successfully to Pazdan. Pazdan was caught under a

lot of pressure from Steven Davis and he felt it came off Pazdan, but

the linesman didn't see it that way. We've had a few of those now. He

pushes the ball onto it and then everyone appeals for it.

-- Krychowiak Lance winning trophies in Europe as a Sevilla player. The

Europa League pretty much belongs to them. Kapustka wasn't afraid of

shooting, but not where the target was. Well, a pretty poor effort. He

has hoped it wide. In contrast, a pretty good effort

from Northern Ireland. Coming up to 37 minutes played. Yes, they might

not have registered an attempt on goal worthy of the name, but they

are keeping Poland out under severe pressure. Steven Davis, when he

pressured the defender, it showed you under a lot of pressure they can

be caught out. Lewandowski has kept it in. The

deflection took it against the corner flag. Now it has gone behind

for a corner that has been won by Lewandowski. It looked like the ball

was going to go out of play. It hits the corner flag, gets a bit of good

fortune, and then the clever nutmeg on Gareth McAuley and wins the

corner kick off Jonny Evans. Michael McGovern ready, with Milik

taking. He will take another one now. Well

done Kyle Lafferty, near post, on the way back. Poland pushing

everybody up bar Lukasz Piszczek. Something different from Milik.

Awkward one, the Polish fans appeal for handball, here is Kapustka!

Saved by McGovern. It flew in quickly. Well, he's adjusted very

well to get his knee over the top and hit the target. This ball not

really dealt with very well, maybe should have been a header. Look at

the quick movement from Kapustka. I think it hit Kyle Lafferty on the

thigh, but that's an excellent save from Michael McGovern. Pretty close

to him but moving quickly and needed strong hands. Two good chances in

the last ten minutes for Poland. Blaszczykowski on the corner. Milik,

how did he get so free? Jedrzejczyk! Pazdan tries to guided towards goal

but finds only the side netting. Well, a lot of pushing and shoving.

Three or four players come down and somehow it finds its way to the back

post and then it's a sea of green shirts getting under way before it

hits the side netting. -- getting in the way. Cathcart didn't quite get

it completely away. I'm impressed with the number of green shirts that

seem to want to get in the way and block attempts. Very willing to get

in the way of the attempted shots from the Polish. When it hits him

and goes up onto the arm, you can't do a lot about those. Lewandowski

looking to impose himself. He's not really had too many opportunities.

He goes in between Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans and there's no way

he's going to win that. There's no love lost between Jonny Evans and

Robert Lewandowski! That is the best effort and a great save from Michael

McGovern. Four and a half minutes and a little bit more for Northern

Ireland to keep on doing what they're doing and hold out until

half-time, although with every passing minute that seems to be a

harder task. He played for that, didn't he? He

waited for the contact from Oliver Norwood and you can see he wants to

go down. Clever play there from Krychowiak too.

Lovely bit of skill from Jakub Blaszczykowski. The free kick goes

against him. You can see he was looking at Krychowiak, looking to

get the free kick, and he's gone down far too easily, says the

referee. That's the right decision. I just know I'm going to regret

saying this at some point, but the referee has been excellent so far.

They seem intent on letting the game flow as much as possible. He goes

down for no reason and grabs the ball. That's what the free kick is

for. It should have been a caution too.

Maczynski was the offender. He is the anchorman in midfield. Anchorman

or angry man? CHUCKLES

They might need him in the second part if they are searching for a

creative player to create something. Lafferty. Jedrzejczyk got his head

down and won it. Does well to keep it in too. Free kick, Poland. Looks

like it was Craig Cathcart, or was it Conor McLaughlin? The referee

just having a word. He's in full flight here, plays the 1-2. I don't

think he can stop him, there. Maybe that's why he didn't book. A stern

"No more", from the Romanian rest. -- referee.

Piszczek is darting in from right back here. Back to Blaszczykowski.

They form a really good partnership down the right for Poland. In from

Piszczek, but straight into the gloves of Michael McGovern. You can

see he is naturally right footed, Piszczek, and he's cutting in on his

right foot. They can't get the right angle on the pass with their weaker

foot. Lafferty, all very well winning those, but where are they

going to go? No one is close enough to him to support him, there. Milik,

Krychowiak. Nice bit of awareness. Piszczek starts to go again outside.

Piszczek. No time added on to the end of the first half. That is it in

Nice for now. No goals but Poland have dominated from the start a

Milik went close, might have hit the target. When they finally did

through Kapustka Michael McGovern was equal to it. So far so good for

the men in green, Northern Ireland holding out for a hero, who will it

be? Many of the statistics might suggest

Poland had the better of things in the first half but the only thing

which matters is the scoreline and Northern Ireland still very much in

it. How will they be feeling considering the fact they barely got

owned their own half? They will be pleased, the restricted Poland,

pushed them wide and have let them play through the middle. They have

kept Lewandowski pretty quiet. Michael McGovern only had one save

to make so I think Michael O'Neill will be pretty pleased. From an

attacking point of view we have been pretty nonexistent but maybe that's

what they expect, waiting on a set play to get the ball into the box?

They are saying to Poland, and brick is down if you are good enough and

at the moment they have not been. Only conceded one first-half goal in

their previous 20 games, Northern Ireland, now 21, so as a defender

you can applaud that. They are not like they want to get out but they

look comfortable in what they are doing. They have set out a strategy

of saying come on, break us down. Do you have the quality to get the ball

behind us defenders to create problems and at the moment they

haven't. They look comfortable, they haven't had the ball but this is the

game plan they have set up with. Where they are crossing the ball

from has not been an area that would concern you. Crossing from outside

of the box and from wide areas and fairly deep. Look at the bodies they

have got in the backline and the guys in front for anything that

drops. You have to be precise to pick out the man. I felt in the

first five minutes we were all bit worried because Poland were getting

a head of steam, getting into good areas, especially here. A lot of

numbers about to get in the box, it was time to recover, and we have the

numbers to get into the late area to deal with this and they have been

answering that question for the majority of the first 45 by filling

gaps, winning headers and as you said, from my point of view as well,

they have looked comfortable when the crosses have been going into the

box. The centre-half so been very strong and they must be very vocal

as well. From midfielder point of view they always seem to be in and

around them so if anything drops they are they are to help out.

Between the three of them there is obviously a lot of communication.

It's always a danger when you are letting crosses come into the box

but they seem to be set up to deal with it. That was a brilliant point

about the psychology of the game, do you want to explain it? It was just

about possession, these players will be used to not having the ball. When

you're part of a team which always has the ball and likes to move it

around its a lovely feeling. But this side have been going through

the whole qualification campaign with average possession of 45%. This

is how they play, they are used to it. They are not getting frustrated,

they get into the right position and know what to do. When you are so

organised defensively it's important to be patient. The other team can

get frustrated. Exactly. The next ten, 15 minutes or so important.

Coming in, settling down, can they pick up the pace of the game, can

Poland pick up the pace of the game again? Can Northern Ireland keep the

sheep? Have you played much in three the back? I played for West Ham in

my younger years with three at the back. What's the principled offender

between having just one other alongside you as opposed to having

two, what's the difference for you as a central defender? You have

numbers, and extra partner who can help you. It depends how you play,

you can play three at the back with two wingbacks then you are left

about isolated. But when the full-backs are back you have the

winger and a pull-back coming on. As a centre-half, the way you are

playing, I would feel very comfortable with them crossing the

ball. If they change it and start trying to pull your midfielder is

owed to create spaces that is when there will be a few different

problems and questions. At the moment they are playing into the

hands of Northern Ireland by crossing from deep. We picked him

out before the game, Milik, he had a couple of opportunities, as close as

anybody. He should have done a lot better I think with the second

opportunity which fell to him, the first one, it fell to his right foot

which is not the best from what I have heard. His left foot is very

special but he's predominantly left footed. That was easily dealt with

by the goalkeeper but it was this one I think where he he's got a real

opportunity and shows composure. Lovely touch, goes around, I think

it was McAuley, but in the end puts it over the bar. He's a bit

off-balance. But the left foot especially he needs to get the right

contact. Not too many moments were the heart was in the mouth, they

have been pretty comfortable but Kapustka went close. It might have

been a handball. Comes off the thigh of Kyle Lafferty but he does

brilliantly, it's a great strike and Michael could not have seen it until

late but he got a powerful hand on it and it's a fantastic save. That

was always the worry, you are defending, you get worried that if

Poland do get a call will it become two or three, we will have to come

out. The next ten, 15 minutes is so important. That's the hard thing,

the mentality, set up to defend and they are comfortable doing it. But

if they go a goal down it's difficult to switch the mentality

and switched to becoming an attacking team and to try to get

back into the game. I don't see if Northern Ireland have the capability

to do that. So the secret is? Don't concede! We will move all, Robert

Lewandowski scored 13 goals in qualifying which is a joint record

held with David Healy. He is the country's top scorer and this is his

story. We used to come and watch Northern

Ireland with my dad, coming as a kid you always dream about wanting to

play their and when you start scoring the goals, mum and dad in

the crowd, how proud he must have been seeing his son score so many

goals. Even as a kid I still remember the careers teacher at

school, what career do you want to do and I was like, I want to play

football. But they said what do you actually want to do? I said I want

to play football. It was always my dream to represent my country and I

made my debut away in Luxembourg. I couldn't wait to get back to Windsor

Park. That was my Wembley. To get the chance to play there was

something which will live with me forever. Windsor Park in these, it

is not what it was then, it was a bit more old-fashioned. The pitch

wasn't great. The Kop end which is yet to be built was, I think the

majority of goals I scored for Northern Ireland thankfully were

down that end because that is where the loudest support was. A lot of

very fond memories, scoring against Spain. What a finish! What a night

for Northern Ireland and what a night for David Healy! Scoring

against England. David Healy for Northern Ireland, real chance, and

he scores! Talking to people, you would think I only scored one goal

for Northern Ireland because people only talk about that one goal. The

record of scoring goals for Northern Ireland, it was never that high for

whatever reason. We created some really good footballers but never

had a real who went on and scored 20, 30 goals. People started saying

you might break the record to go on and beat it was incredible. European

history for David Healy. 2008 we came close. I scored three against

Blackburn Steyn and then played Sweden -- against Lichtenstein. I

would have given up the 13 goals to play in the European Championships

but we just didn't get the job done at the right times. Times have

changed and for the better, the whole country has been united by a

football team which will go to the European finals. Had an astonishing

international career. Incredible, when you consider the leading

goal-scorer before that was 12 or 13. Either it comes on the scene and

ends up with 36 international goals in 50, 60 international is for a

country like Northern Ireland. And he didn't have a phenomenal club

career. It wasn't great but on the international stage he came alive.

Windsor Park was material for him and he's a great kid. I remember

playing against Denmark and he beat Schmeichel from yards out and I

thought we had a player heel. -- a player here. Lets get some

reflection from Chris Brunt. Northern Ireland have now conceded

just one first-half goal in their last 21 games, what is your

assessment? It's been OK. I think both teams are looking not to lose

the game at the minute, in the first half anyway. I think we have

defended pretty well, Michael McGovern had to make a great save

but other than that he's not had too much to do. I think maybe a bit

disappointed with how we have dealt with the ball when we've got it but

we are still in the game, in the qualifying campaign we are used to

having a bit less possession than the other team. As the game wears on

it might suit us. Michael Neale prides himself on this being a team

that is good without the ball and they certainly had to be -- Michael

O'Neil. You can see the lads working hard for each other. Run through

walls for each other. I think that's never in doubt, just need that bit

more quality when we get the ball. It is warm down here so you don't

want to be without the ball the whole game, try to take the sting

out of things little bit. Plenty to talk about, hopefully we come out in

the second half and get a few more things going forward. What will the

message be from the manager at half-time? Keep it going, you are

never out of the game,. As I say, I think going forward we need to hold

onto the ball better and give ourselves a chance to get up the

pitch and maybe get some set pieces where we can look dangerous. We have

defended well, throwing bodies on the line at times and I think we

just need to be a bit better when we have the ball. Thank you, here as a

special guest is the great Pat Jennings, it's his birthday today

and he would have been proud of that saved from Michael McGovern.

Certainly would, one match early today in Group D, Turkey taking on

Croatia here in Paris. Simon Brotherton is your commentator.

Arda Turan staying on the ground. Now back up on his feet. The ball

in, the goalkeeper just about kept it from going over the line. Turkey

suddenly so close to taking the lead. Rakitic. Dangerous looking

delivery. What a goal! Luka Modric for Croatia! The orchestrator in

chief does the job! Up in the air, volleyed first time by Luka Modric.

Superb strike, just out of reach for the goalkeeper. Rakitic, so elegant,

strong and powerful. Has done unruly well here. -- done unruly well. Get

the free kick just outside the penalty area. Just caught on the

outside of the leg. It's off the bar! Superb strike. Agonisingly

close to two. Modric keeping it simple but effective. Rakitic. What

a chance that was! It really should be 2-0. And he knows it. Croatia

with the one goal they scored, could have had two or three more.

The game we are covering it is goalless at half-time and looks like

they are ready to kick off so let's rejoin Gerry Armstrong and Guy

Mowbray. COMMENTATOR: News of a substitution

as Poland get ready to start the second half, Paddy McNair making way

for Stuart Dallas for Northern Ireland. Stuart Dallas missed the

final warm up game last weekend against Slovakia because he was

getting married. I wonder if she is here on honeymoon? I hope she has

something to cheer by the end of the evening. Straight involved, the

Leeds United player. No changes for Poland, who will keep

on plugging away. Another thing of note, just as the players were

getting ready to retake the field, Lewandowski was chewing the referee

-- the referee's ear off. It's been a frustrating time but he hasn't

really had a clear chance. Kapustka, chased by Davis but to no

avail. Confusion from Maczynski. All the way back to was the etched

The Polish fans the first to get tuned into the second half.

Immediate response from those in green.

McLauchlin, looking for Dallas. You can see now why he's brought on

Stuart Dallas. He's a very good athlete. He's come short to collect

the ball off the full-back, Conor McLaughlin. He's put them under

pressure and won a throw in. Davis, just a little too tight for

that to work. Davis just having words with Oliver Norwood. Wanting a

bit more help from infield. Krychowiak.

Trying to thread one through to Lewandowski, but that is not the

sort of service he's been getting old they -- that's the sort of

service he's been getting all day, not the sort of service he's

accustomed to getting in a Bayern Munich shirt. I think they might

have to make a change in the middle of the park. Maczynski could be the

man who comes off. 42 goals last season, Lewandowski. I was fortunate

enough to see five of them in nine minutes, when he came on as a

substitute for by Munich. One of the most extraordinary things I've seen

on a football field. On at half-time and less than nine minutes later he

had scored five himself! That's what you call an impact player! Kapustka

finds Milik... Milik forced to take the Long Way round. There was no way

round in the end. Again well-organised defending from

Northern Ireland. Excellent run. Krychowiak, pestered by Davis.

Well, it can't hurt them, when they are playing across the park in a

game this frustrating... Northern Ireland starting to get them bit.

But to good effect. That's a loose ball, picked off easily by Jonny

Evans. Piszczek... Milik beads McGovern! Milik scores for Poland.

It's been coming for some time. And when the ball is finally put in the

Northern Ireland net it's because of an accomplished finish from

Arkadiusz Milik. Poland one, Northern Ireland zero.

They had the loose ball to pick up. It's cut back for Milik, he gets one

touch inside the box, the ball goes through the defender's legs. It's

his first touch and it does go through the legs of Craig Cathcart.

I think he is an cited, Michael McGovern. But an excellent strike

from Milik, 1-0 Poland. It has got Adam Nawalka up on the bench, his

former World Cup team-mate Zibi Boniek celebrating in the stands.

The Poles lead. If one doesn't get you, the other one will. This time

Milik scores. Blaszczykowski did well on the wing as welcome his

cross was excellent. Now Northern Ireland will have to be a lot more

adventurous. You think maybe Kyle Lafferty needs a friend up there.

There's two or three players warming up down below. Conor Washington and

Jamie Ward is the other one. Will Grigg as well, but I have heard

reports that he's on fire! They're certainly going to have to change

the tactics. Cathcart dispossessed, Chris Baird

. Northern Ireland have to come out and play a bit now. -- Chris Baird

to heavens. They could only hold out for so long.

McLaughlin. Shame, the idea was good. Good run from Stuart Dallas,

the past just didn't quite find him. -- the pass.

Lewandowski. Won by Cathcart, straight up into the air. Norwood,

Evans. Evans had to improvise with the

lift. Shane Ferguson unable to find Oliver Norwood. Lewandowski. There

is now the danger, if Northern Ireland push up, will they be picked

off? That is something Michael will want to avoid. They have to get a

response in the next five or ten minutes.

He is technically a very good player, Blaszczykowski. And he's not

pleased with himself. On loan to Fiorentina from Borussia Dortmund

last season. Spent some time under Jurgen Klopp's

tutelage in Dortmund. Here is McLauchlin. His brother Ryan has

just been freed by Liverpool. Kapustka, doing well to win it.

Lewandowski. Under the boot of Kapustka. Davis... He's done well,

really well. Lafferty does well too. Kapustka, Lewandowski. Davis does

well again. The chance is still there. It should be a Northern

Ireland throw and it is. I think he wanted to take the ball on, he had

20 or 30 yards in front of him. Steve Davis does brilliant here,

brilliant determination. Norwood, nice touch. And he was

impeded. My first instinct is that that was intentional from Oliver

Norwood. It looks like he's got sucked in. It's a free kick and a

chance, as I say, Northern Ireland are very good at free kicks. He

knocks it on and you can see Glik completely bundles it over. Gareth

McAuley has come forward, as have Craig Cathcart. Northern Ireland

were set piece Kings in qualifying. Norwood, a fine deliverer of the

dead ball. Chris Baird on the move, McAuley poised. Evans is loitering.

With intent. Width in by Norwood. That's not one of his best. --

whipped in. Well, he needed to clear the man at the front.

Lewandowski gets a decision. He doesn't feel he's had as many as he

should have done in the game. He turns, nicks it asked him. That is

why the free kick has been given. The Northern Ireland closing down

just a little bit more intense now, it has got to be. Kapustka. Two

closing down that time. Davis has given it back to Milik. Poor touch

from Cathcart, cleared by Ferguson. Over to you, Kyle Lafferty. Lafferty

on Glik, and he was on Glik, not really having any real chance of

getting to the ball. I think Glik puts his arm across him and looks

for the free kick. It is clever play. I think Kyle obliges.

Blaszczykowski, there it goes Piszczek. Three in the middle,

Piszczek makes his own way there. That's a bad late challenge. Milik

has gone in late, and needlessly. Late challenge on Oliver Norwood.

Frustration at the final ball, though. He comes sliding in, totally

unnecessary. Michael McGovern now pushes a fume

more forward. -- a few more. It's a really difficult ask for Kyle

Lafferty. Those balls keep coming his way. If he does jump for them

and win their header, he flicks them onto no man's land. Other times he

feels he can't jump for them. They've got Josh Magennis and Jamie

Ward warming up now. They are the two. Kapustka has grown into the

game, the teenager for Poland. Not bad for a 19-year-old, is he?

Krychowiak of Krakow, polar's oldest side.

It's another throw which is contested. Milik has made his mark.

Milik, Lewandowski, through to Kapustka. Conor McLaughlin went with

him. Excellent cover. Giving a goal kick. Well caught by Conor

McLaughlin, he followed the run of Kapustka all the way through, lovely

pass from Lewandowski but again the defender is there to block it. I

think my money was slightly on corner. I wouldn't disagree. Baird

in a spot of bother there. More pace in the Poland attacks and more space

in the Northern Ireland have for them. -- half.

Steven Davis just with the arm, that is what has forced the hand of the

referee. Didn't particularly force Croucher react to the floor. I think

you stumbling anyway and he wants the free kick and he's got it. --

Krychowiak. Blaszczykowski, Milik, looking for

low endoscopy. -- Lewandowski. Poland will be content to do this

for some time longer yet. They are in the driving seat, they have the

one goal lead and can bide their time to try and go for a second. I

think we are going to see a change. Looks like Conor Washington is ready

to come into action. Craig Cathcart clearing.

Easy ball across to Pazdan from Glik.

Steven Davis is urging green shirted players to come out and help them

close them down high up the field. The chance is on now. Won by Baird

but he couldn't get going, the first yellow card of the game goes to

Kapustka. It was a mistake capitalised on by Chris Baird and

caput scout with the challenge from behind. He's not done badly at

trying to get the ball to be fair to him but you can challenge from

behind these days and he gets the yellow card. Conor Washington coming

on. Kyle Lafferty will have strike partner. Change of formation, change

of strategy, 4-4-2. His fifth cap overall and he has scored in two of

his last three. Dallas. McAuley went for it. Pazdan

went with him. Corner is the call. Excellent defending from Pazdan.

Wonderful ball in from Stuart Dallas and look at the big centre-half

getting up, Pazdan, it is headed by Gareth McAuley of the head of

Pazdan. 66 minutes played, big moment, first corner of the match

for Northern Ireland. McAuley trying to get out of the crowd, it's over

him and Szczesny made absolutely sure, that's the punch of the

tournament. That's gone a long, long way, that's what you want, length,

distance, as far away from your penalty area as possible. It would

do wonders for Northern Ireland's confidence if they can just spend a

bit more time in the Polish half now. And fortunately not so

proficient on his left foot, Stuart Dallas, as he is on his right.

Potentially another lady tell in the making with Conor Washington playing

on the stage having made his debut against Wales at the end of March.

Not so long ago he was still working as a postman. -- potentially another

fairy tale. Nicely collected by Blaszczykowski. Have cross, have

shot, always wide. He is good, Blaszczykowski on this right-hand

side. I think he's trying to whip it across for Sunday to slot it into

the far post. But nobody is there, excellent break from Poland. One of

the best players on the field. Easily. He is the reason why the

first goal came around, he created the opportunity for Milik.

Washington on the end of that. Lafferty felt he was caught.

Definitely caught there. Yellow card for Craig Cathcart.

It was a bit of the cruncher on Robert Lewandowski. Went through on

him, caught him on the follow-through, certainly a free

kick. Apologised straightaway. Chance for the players to take on

some water. Much-needed water. It a warm old evening in Nice, sorry if

you are under water at home. Krychowiak on the ball for Poland.

1-0, just over 20 minutes of the game to go. The goal came early in

the second half, scored by Milik of Ajax. Blaszczykowski. McAuley got in

the way of the shot, McGovern scampering across to prevent the

corner. Again, Blaszczykowski showing his style and technique,

first touch was good, get it on the right foot and it's blocked,

excellent block. McAuley really only has one way to

go. Forward by Cathcart, Laverty winning

at but again there is nobody to really direct it to. -- Lafferty.

Nice touch from Milik. Blaszczykowski. He felt he was

caught by Dallas, kept in by Piszczek. Cut out by McCulloch.

Sorry, McLaughlin. Excellent touch from Washington, showing great pace.

Szczesny shows great awareness to meet it. What an introduction that

would have been for Conor Washington. Super piece of play down

the right-hand side, second touch maybe a little bit heavy but

Szczesny was quick to come out and grab the ball. Excellent goalkeeping

from the Arsenal man. Which I suppose he still is. Last appearance

in the Premier League was New Year's Day 2015.

Made one appearance at the European Championship four years ago, on home

soil, sent off against Greece, 1-1 draw. He timed that one spot on.

Poland have never scored more than one in any game at these European

finals. One might be all they need this evening. You made the point,

the last two championships, still waiting for the victory. In the

driving seat at the moment. The headed touch from Conor Washington,

it's so tight at the end, the bravery from Szczesny, coming to

collect the ball. Excellent goalkeeping.

Baird. Lafferty down, free kick Northern Ireland.

It's Piszczek. Some confusion, wondering if Michael McGovern should

come up to take it but the thought better of it. Not sure myself. With

five minutes to go, maybe. But not 18. McAuley was being crowded out.

Krychowiak in front of him, he got the header and put it out for a

throw. Across comes Evans to help out the

struggling Cathcart, Evans against Lewandowski. All fair between them

this time but a little nudge late on from Evans. Andy kick from behind

from Lewandowski. Still no love lost. Pretty sure West Brom would be

playing Bayern Munich next season. Shame, would love to see a reprisal

between these two. Could be fun if Leicester draw them however couldn't

it? Jedrzejczyk. Kapustka. Milik. Got

the better of Baird, here is Blaszczykowski. Maczynski. The

build-up was excellent but the finish from Maczynski was poor. Well

off target. Teed up nicely. Coming up to the 30 minute mark of

the second half. Here we are, eight miles away so from Monte Carlo and

the time is right now for Northern Ireland to gamble.

Something special attempted by Kyle Lafferty. This is the stage and the

place to try it. Well, it sets -- he sets it up nicely. Goes for the

bicycle kick. It's well off target. He hasn't really had to many

opportunities, has he? He has to make them for himself. That's the

problem. Chris Baird makes his way off. Well, it is gambled time. The

holding man in the middle has gone off and Jamie Ward comes on, from

Nottingham Forest. Much more forward minded player. He's going to tuck in

just behind Lafferty. He makes these lovely little darting runs in the

channel. Norwood, a little more defensive

responsibility on Steve Davis now, as if there hasn't been already.

Here is Davis. Great support coming from the green and white army.

Willing their team on to get them a goal. Conor Washington thought they

should have got a free kick there. I thought he was pushed in the back by

this check. He was trying to poke it through to

Kapustka. Washington just caught on his heels and allowed Glik to win it

for Poland. Poland are going to make their first

substitution of the match. Thomas Jodlowiec is going to come on. It is

Krzysztof Maczynski who is coming off, the defensively minded

midfielder who can play centre-back. He will try and hold it and keep it

and make sure that Poland get the three points. I remember England

doing that last night... That is a very good point.

Gerry Armstrong's cup is never half empty, always half full. Correct!

1-0 is not unsurmountable. We need a Mestella moment. I will

settle for a nice moment, or a Nice one! It's come to McLaughlin, who

seemed as surprised as we were. He seemed in a brilliant position at

the back post. It's there, the defenders have gone to sleep. His

first touch, just ricochets off him. Kapustka was two or three yards on

the wrong side. Another Polish change, Jakub Blaszczykowski coming

off and it's going to be Kamil Grosicki, who we expected to start

the game but has been nursing an ankle problem. This is a pretty

strong replacement for him. He plays in France with Rennes and has scored

four goals in his last half a dozen international games for Poland. He

scored two goals in his first 30 games for his nation. Then six in

the last nine. For those against Gibraltar, I'm not saying that like

they don't count, they do. -- four of those against Gibraltar.

On the plus side I think Northern Ireland have defended really well

against Lewandowski. But there are other players in the side who are

very good attacking wise and one of them popped up with the goal. That

is the difference between the two sides at the moment. The difference

between the two sets of supporters is that there is a pampered --

palpable sense of nervousness among the Polish and a party going on with

the Northern Ireland! Blasted towards goal and that was Grosicki's

first involvement. It's just nicked off the toe of Evans. It did.

Confusion there between the two players.

Cathcart is with Lewandowski. Lafferty is there to clear.

Grosicki, left by Milik! Cathcart got in front of Lewandowski.

Chance now for Milik! Took it away from Robert Lewandowski. He did.

They both stop very quickly. I think they were both onside, yeah, they

were. And Milik hits the target but good positioning from Michael

McGovern. Still in the game with nine minutes to go. It could be a

very lively nine. Listen to the Northern Ireland fans getting behind

the team just at the right time. Good response by Poland supporters,

scarves aloft, singing as well. They suffered great disappointment

for years ago when, as co-hosts, they didn't get out of the group.

They drew two games and lost one. Took the edge off the tournament in

many ways, took some of the shine off. I think the pressure tells when

you are host nation. France certainly have to cope with that and

we saw it in their match against Romania. They'd come a late winner

for them. You think about how far they've come since then. Euro 2012,

Northern Ireland failed to pull of Ayhan finished fifth out of six in

their qualifying group, only the Faroe Islands below them.

Again, you can lose to the Faroe Islands and only improve, just ask

Claudio Ranieri... It hasn't -- he hasn't done bad this season, I tell

you. Krychowiak has found Grosicki. Lewandowski hanging back, Milik in

the area. Jon Slowey Ek, forced to put it out.

-- job there's a bit of a nervousness about

Poland. They're hanging in there with seven minutes to go.

McAuley, to McGovern. He is looking for Lafferty.

Kapustka thought he had been fouled. Kapustka can't afford another foul,

in the book as he is. Lafferty trying to run away from Pazdan but a

good recovery from Michelle Pazdan. -- Michal Pazdan. Davis, to ward.

Ward has to work and does that. Doesn't get lucky, though.

Lewandowski has lost it. Lewandowski just guilty of following in with the

tag along Oliver Norwood. He's done well, Oliver Norwood. Just catches

him. Looks like an accident to me. He's looked out of sorts,

Lewandowski. He doesn't get the same service for Poland as he gets for

Bayern Munich. I know he scored five goals in nine minutes but this isn't

the sort of platform it's going to happen on. Oliver Norwood over the

ball. Good ball too, here is Davis! Couldn't sort the stride out. My

goodness, what a clever free kick. Lovely ball down the channel. He

lets it run. As you say can he can't sort his stride out and hit it first

time. But that's a set play they've worked really well. Very good on

their set play free kicks and he's inches away from making a good

contact. Should he have taken a touch? Michael is just geeing them

up, come on, we want one more last effort. First man to ever leave

Northern Ireland to the European Championships. First to a major

tournament wins 1986. -- since 1986. It's worked up to a point for him

today. His team just need a break. I think they've won a throw in from

that decision from the referee. Adam Nawalka is going to make his last

change. A rather officious man in a suit was preventing him from doing

it just then. The Kodiak, breezes away from

Washington to shoot! -- Krychowiak. Krychowiak strong, aggressive,

drives through the middle. It opens up for him and he has a crack from

all 30 yards. That's not far away from the far post. Have a look at

that, Michael McGovern was striding across. It didn't deviate, it went

straight. It is the youngster, Kapustka, who is coming off.

Kapustka off, having just enhanced his reputation over the last 87

minutes. He did well, didn't he? Slawomir Peszko, once of Wolves,

where he didn't exactly shine too much. Now back in his homeland, with

Legia Gdansk. His time at Molineux was this set by a knee injury. --

was beset. Met by Glik, won back in Northern Ireland by Stuart Dallas.

Dallas on to it again, and he beats Piszczek and he's fouled by

Piszczek. Excellent play, he's going to get him a yellow card. Clever,

clever play. A lovely piece of passing movement and Stuart Dallas

forced Piszczek into a yellow card. An opportunity for a good delivery

here. Oliver Norwood's right foot. He needs a better delivery this

time. Poland's turned to bring everybody back on defensive duties.

What an end to the 90th minute. For Norwood, it's all about the right

ball in. In it comes from Norwood but it's beaten everybody. The flag

is up. Well, offside, well spotted. I think it was a flailing arm. It's

going to be a free kick. For Poland. Adam Nawalka knows it's not won yet.

The Polish national anthem, translated, goes by the title of

Poland is not yet lost. But at the moment they have not yet won. We

await what it says on the added time board with interest. Milik, out. An

additional three minutes. Has to go the other way, surely?

Evans thought about striding on. Steve Davis. McLaughlin.

Cathcart. Good ball, here comes Szczesny, collides with his own man.

Lafferty has the ball belted against him. I think Szczesny is in trouble,

usually been brave and clattered into his own defender. I think both

of them are in trouble. Szczesny didn't have catch Piszczek. Full

momentum into the face of Piszczek. Don't think there's too much concern

for the players, the Polish player 's main concern is whipping up the

fans to help them. It was an excellent ball that needed to be

dealt with. And it was by Szczesny. He was very positive. He's had

little to do that everything he has done he has done excellently. And we

haven't always said that about him in his Arsenal bays. -- days. But

getting a run of games with Roma, it can bring your confidence back

again. Piszczek is OK, even if he does think it is Thursday. Szczesny

to launch it, the Polish fans getting ready to party. The Northern

Ireland party will continue regardless. Almost time for them to

paint the town red and white. The 90 minutes are up, whatever the referee

ads for stoppage time. Last night it looked like it was all over and the

goal came in the 91st, 92nd minute was it? Careless from Krychowiak.

Might present just one final chance to get the ball forward. Good work

to close down Jonny Evans however. Lewandowski still working for the

team. Norwood, has to go along and has to go soon. Under pressure,

giving the ball away. Don't forget will be long before time runs out

for Northern Ireland in this one. -- don't think it will be long. Three

and a half minutes of added time already played. Will be a little

more because of the collision between Szczesny and Piszczek. Now