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Wales national football team
European Championship | Round of 16
Jun 25, 2016 at 5pm UK
 
Northern Ireland national football team

1-0

McAuley (75' og.)
FT(HT: 0-0)

Live Commentary: Wales 1-0 Northern Ireland - as it happened

Re liveSports Mole's live text commentary as Wales make the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 at the expense of Northern Ireland.
2

Wales made history by reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Paris on Saturday.

It was a second-half own goal from Gareth McAuley that separated the sides, but it was created by Gareth Bale, who whipped the ball across the six-yard box.

Chris Coleman's side will face either Belgium or Hungary in the final eight.

Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's text commentary below.


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Welcome everyone! What a match we have in store for you! Wales or Northern Ireland will make history today as they bid to reach the quarter-finals of the European Championships for the first time ever. There is extra spice to this contest as it is also the first time that two home nations have met at this stage of a major tournament.

So, how did they get to this point I here you ask? Well, Wales have surprised us all as they managed to top Group B, picking up one more point than neighbours England. They did that by overcoming Russia 3-0 in Toulouse. Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale were the scorers on the night. Their move to the top was helped by England's lacklustre display against Slovakia, which resulted in a goalless draw.

As for Northern Ireland, Michael O'Neill's side qualified as one of the third-best teams. The players picked up three points out of a possible nine and even though they were beaten 1-0 by Germany in their final group game, results around them ensured their position in the knockout rounds.

Right, I'm sure you're all eagerly awaiting the team news, so here are the lineups...

WALES XI: Hennessey; Gunter, Chester, A. Williams, Davies, Taylor; Allen, Ledley, Ramsey; Bale, Vokes

NORTHERN IRELAND XI: McGovern; Hughes, McAuley, Cathcart, J. Evans; C. Evans; Ward, Norwood, Davis, Dallas; Lafferty

Chris Coleman has decided not to make any changes to the team that defeated Russia 3-0. Well, it's not broken don't fix it! So, Wayne Hennessey keeps his spot in goal, with Chris Gunter, James Chester, Ashley Williams, Ben Davies and Neil Taylor also starting. Joe Allen, Joe Ledley and Aaron Ramsey will slot in midfield, with Gareth Bale and Sam Vokes providing the attacking threat.

As for Northern Ireland, manager Michael O'Neill has made just the one change as Kyle Lafferty is preferred in attack to Conor Washington, who started against Germany in their previous game. Michael McGovern starts in goal, with Aaron Hughes, Gareth McAuley, Craig Cathcart and Jonny Evans in defence, Corry Evans is likely to sit just behind a midfield of Jamie Ward, Oliver Norwood, Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas, with Lafferty leading the line.

Everything is building up nicely, and the mind games have already begun! Northern Ireland's Twitter page contacted Wales to say that their previous message of support for them over England no longer applies.


Some friendly banter is always good to see! It's a huge game for both sides, but Wales probably head into the contest as slight favourites. Before the tournament began, manager Chris Coleman and his team seemed to just be happy to be in France after qualifying for a major tournament for the first time since 1958.

Since the finals got underway, though, they have proved to be a worthy outfit. As we all know, Gareth Bale is the main man. Wales are not blessed with star names, but they have one of the best players in the world, not to mention the most expensive following his £85m move to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

Not only has Bale performed well on the pitch, his passion for Wales does not go unnoticed. For a player who is used to playing alongside galacticos at the Bernabeu, he does not have an air of importance about him. He is clearly Wales' talisman and best player, but he does not carry an arrogance and there is very much a sense of unity in the squad, which in part is down to the loss that they all shared following the death of Gary Speed in 2011.

Coleman's side got off to a perfect start at Euro 2016 when they claimed a 2-1 victory over Slovakia. They managed to come back from 1-1 to nab the win, with Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu finding the back of the net. Next up was enemies England, and unfortunately from Wales' point of view, they were denied a point at the death.

Bale had put them in front with a free kick, but late goals from Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge resulted in a win for the Three Lions. Wales' chances of topping the group had not dwindled though, as they were taking on bottom-placed Russia in their final match. It was a comfortable win in the end as Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Bale scored the goals of the game. They were also helped by England's failure to beat Slovakia.

All focus now turns to Paris and Wales' clash against the Irish. Ahead of the game, Bale was full of praise for the supporters.

He told reporters: "The support from our fans is incredible - we call it the Red Wall. You know like Borussia Dortmund you see the Yellow Wall, we call it the Red Wall. To see the stadium it's red, it's like a home game. We see on the big screen fans crying and it means so much, not to just us as players but to us as a nation.

"You hear the stories coming back from home which make you smile and make you laugh and hopefully we can keep giving them more stuff to celebrate. I want to thank them first and foremost for keeping supporting us, they have been incredible over here.

"They have been amazingly behaved and hopefully they can continue to keep doing that and we can continue making them proud and happy."

Gareth Bale celebrates scoring Wales's first goal against Slovakia at Euro 2016 on June 11, 2016© Getty Images


Well, Wales will certainly make them happy with a win today, but they face a difficult task against a very stubborn Northern Ireland side. Michael O'Neill defensive tactics were able to keep Germany relatively quiet in their final group match. The team conceded a goal by Mario Gomez in the 30th minute, but that was all that they allowed past them.

Goalkeeper McGovern was in fine form as he denied Germany time after time, but it was also Northern Ireland's shape that frustrated the world champions. The players have grown into the tournament as it has progressed. Their first outing was against Poland and ended in a 1-0 defeat. The Irish did not play badly, but they failed to create enough going forward.

They had better luck against Ukraine, though, as Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn scored the two goals of the game, giving them an opportunity to make it out the group. Despite losing to Germany in their following fixture, Ireland had done enough to qualify as one of four third-placed teams.

As well as today's result being historic for one of these teams, it's also an all-British clash, which captain Steven Davis has claimed increases the desire to win.

He told reporters: "I think both sets of players will be extremely pumped up because of what's riding on it and what's at stake. There are a lot of similarities with the two teams in terms of progress over the last couple of years.

"It probably will have an edge because of what's riding on it, both sets of fans have been magnificent and both sets of players believe we can progress.

"It's going to be a great opportunity, and one we're looking forward to. I think there's a respect for each other as countries. There will definitely be an edge but maybe not that rivalry."

Steven Davis and Mesut Ozil in action during the Euro 2016 Group C match between Northern Ireland and Germany on June 21, 2016© Getty Images


DID YOU KNOW? Wales have been a goal behind for just two minutes and 31 seconds in total over their first three games of the tournament. All three of the goals that they have conceded have been scored after the 56th minute, and all were from substitutes. They have also had 22 shots on target, which is more than any other team in the group stage.

As for Northern Ireland, they have not let in more than one goal in their last 16 international matches since a 2-0 defeat to Romania in November 2014. At the other end, their last 10 goals in competitive matches have been scored from set pieces.

HEAD TO HEAD: The last game between these two sides was sadly a rather uneventful one. The March meeting ended in a 1-1 draw - Ireland's Craig Cathcart opened the scoring early, but Simon Church netted from the penalty spot to finish the game all square. In the last eight matches between the two sides, Wales have a better record having won four and drawn four. The last time that Northern Ireland have beaten the Welsh was in May 1980. In 95 meetings between the nations, Wales have won 44 and Northern Ireland have won 25.

The atmosphere is building! Not long now until the players are out on the Parc des Princes pitch for the national anthems. The first knockout match ended in a penalty shootout earlier today, but I'm sure both teams in Paris will want it sorted out in 90 minutes! Poland were the victors over Switzerland and you can read our match report of it here.

Here they come! The teams have made their way onto the pitch to a huge roar from both sets of fans. The national anthems are next and then the action gets underway!

KICKOFF! Wales get us underway in Paris! Who will come out on top in this huge match? Let's find out! English referee Martin Atkinson is the referee for this one. Lots of familiar faces!

Some early pressure from Bale as the ball is lifted over the top of the defence searching for the Real Madrid man. Evans manages to clean up though by getting a head on the ball and preventing Bale from latching on.

Bale said before the game that he expected Northern Ireland to defend and that seems to be the case. They have set up to do so, which is making these early stages of the match very cagey.

Wales are seeing more of the ball at the moment as they knock it around their own half, trying to find a way through. The ball is crossed high for Taylor on the left flank, but it's overhit and the ball bounces out for an Ireland throw-in.

Williams gives away a free kick in his own half after clipping Ward with his arm. Dallas opts to play the free kick square and eventually when it's knocked into the box, Lafferty is penalised for nudging Gunter in the back.

There is yet to be an attacking threat from either side, but Ireland look comfortable on the ball. Early days of course, but are we destined for another extra time and penalties...?

SAVE! The first sight of goal! Ireland break and the ball ends up being squared to Dallas, who is waiting on the corner of the box. He unleashes a shot the bottom right corner, but Hennessey gets across to punch the ball out for a corner, which comes to nothing for Ireland.

Northern Ireland look the better side at the moment. They are seeing more of the ball and imposing more of a threat. Lafferty gets the ball out wide on the left and swings it into the box, but it's kicked clear by Williams.

At the other end, Bale leads the charge as he drives towards the edge of the box before whipping a cross into the area, looking for Ramsey. The Arsenal midfielder tries to flick the ball on, but he misses it and the ball bobbles into the arms of McGovern.

Poor from Allen! He's had a great tournament so far, but in this instance, he has plenty of time and space in the middle of the park and he ends up swerving the ball straight into Ireland's defence.

Allen makes a more positive impact this time as he knocks the ball forward for Vokes, who swings a cross in from the right side of the box. It finds the head of Bale, but he can't get enough power on the header and the opportunity goes missing.

Wales show some nice one-touch play, but it's broken up by Dallas who fouls Gunter by blocking his run. Ramsey takes the free kick and drifts the ball into the box to find Vokes, who connects with a header, but it fails to trouble the keeper as it drops behind.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Wales have the ball in the back of the net...but it doesn't count! Taylor sends a lovely cross into the box to find Vokes, who leaps high to nod the ball. Ramsey then pokes it past the keeper from the six-yard box, but he was in an offside position and linesman rightfully rules it out.

Wales have their tails up now and are putting more pressure on Ireland's defence. Ramsey gets a touch on the ball and tries to turn, but he hits the ground two yards from the box after a challenge from Evans. Ramsey wants a free kick but the referee says no.

SAVE! Hennessey makes his second save of the day as Ward finds space just outside the box and unleashes a powerful shot. It looks like the ball is drifting just over the crossbar, but the keeper gets fingertips on it to make sure. The resulting corner is headed clear by Bale.

Northern Ireland do well as they frustrate Wales by closing down Allen and Bale when on the ball. Bale struggles to get through so he goes for a strike from the edge of the area, but it's poor and the ball fizzes wide.

Great pressure from Ireland! Chester tries to play the ball calmly across the back, but two Ireland players swarm around him and he ends up nervously kicking the ball in the air.

Ireland get a free kick in a decent position. Norwood delivers the ball into the box with a sweep of his right foot, but it's comfortably cleared by Ledley.

Ramsey tries to lead a counter-attack for Wales, but Davis wins the ball back for Northern Ireland in the middle of the park. The ball is then played forward for Lafferty, who loses his battle with Chester and the defender clears.

At the other end, Gunter crosses into the box and the ball is headed away by McAuley, who can only find Taylor on the edge of the box. The Welshman drills a low shot, but it bounces off an Ireland player. Frustration for Wales.

Ledley drifts towards the edge of the box before playing the ball low and forward to Vokes, who is forced out wide due to some great defending from Evans. Wales aren't getting a moment's peace on the ball.

Great delivery from Hughes as he targets Dallas, who is just off the shoulder of Gunter at the far post, but the defender manages to head clear before his opponent can get on the end of it.

A good opportunity for Northern Ireland here as Norwood delivers a deep delivery into the box from a free kick. Davies does well to defend behind for a corner, which is fluffed by Ireland! It's taken low to Ward, who flicks it, but as he does that the ball loses its pace and Wales collect.

Bale, whose been kept quiet so far, evades three Irish players to whip a cross into the box, but it's comfortably chested down for the keeper from Hughes.

BOOKING! The first yellow card of the game is issued to Dallas for a sliding tackle on Bale. He can't have too many complains about that. Dallas will miss the quarter-final if Northern Ireland win today.

HALF-TIME: WALES 0-0 NORTHERN IRELAND

It's been a cagey first half in Paris as both teams head into the dressing rooms all square. There hasn't been too many goalmouth action to report, with Wayne Hennessey making two saves. Aaron Ramsey did get the ball in the back of the net for Wales, but it was rightfully ruled out as the Arsenal midfielder was offside when he poked it home. Northern Ireland have pressed high and frustrated their opponents. Could we be destined for extra time and penalties? Wait and see! We'll return for the second half shortly.

RESTART! Northern Ireland get the second half underway! Will we see a goal?! Let's hope so... There has been no changes at the break.

There's more intensity from both sides than in the first half. Wales are now matching Northern Ireland in closing down players. It will be interesting to see who can keep that up as legs tire.

Lafferty shows great feet by dancing past two red shirts, but he gets stopped in his tracks by Chester. Great defending.

Allen releases Gunter down the right, but Dallas is penalised for bringing down the defender. He needs to be careful, he's already on a yellow!

Some very positive play from Northern Ireland as they win a free kick in Wales' half. It's one from the training ground as Dallas plays it short and low. There's too many touches in the box and it ends up at Ward's feet. He goes for goal, but it's blocked.

Oh dear, Williams gives the ball away cheaply with a wayward pass to Chester. It bounces out for a throw-in and pretty much sums up Wales' display! Northern Ireland are getting on top.

MISS! Oh my, what an opportunity for Vokes! A perfectly-weighted cross from Ramsey finds the striker in the box. The Burnley striker gets a header away from three yards, but it bounces wide for a goal kick.

WALES SUB: Unfortunately for Vokes, his miss will be his last touch in this game as he is replaced with Robson-Kanu.

Wales give the ball away in their own half and Northern Ireland try to make the most of it. Norwood goes for glory from long range, but his attempt bounces wide.

Clever from Bale. Well, clever if you like players drawing fouls! The Real Madrid man drives across and gets clipped by Norwood. Free kick for Wales.

SAVE! Bale goes for goal from 25 yards out. it's on target, but McGovern dives to his left to punch the ball clear.

BOOKING! Ireland go on the break quickly and Taylor gets punished for bringing down Ward. It's getting more competitive on the pitch now.

It's Northern Ireland's turn to pile on some pressure as they win a corner. Norwood takes it, but it's wasted as the ball misses everyone and bobbles out for a Wales throw-in.

WALES SUB: It's a second change for Wales as Ledley comes off and is replaced with Jonny Williams.

Dallas charges past his marker and drives to the byline before delivering in a cross, but Williams clears. The ball eventually ends up back at Dallas's feet, but his cross this time is overhit.

Ramsey releases Gunter down the right flank and the defender ends up swinging the ball into the box, but it's headed clear. Neither side can find a way through at the moment. You sense that just one goal will do the job.

BOOKING! Davis is the next player to go into the book after clattering into Bale.

NORTHERN IRELAND SUB: It's the end of Ward's say as he is replaced with Washington. O'Neill has opted to have two strikers up front as Washington will partner Lafferty.

The ball is hoofed long for Lafferty, but Hennessey is already positioned well off his line to hook clear.

Great defending from Chester. Lafferty looks dangerous as he charges with the ball into the box from the left, but the Wales defender stands strong and manages to nick the ball off the striker.

The way it is at the moment, I don't envisage a goal any time soon! This looks destined for extra time, and maybe even penalties.

Bale gives an injection of pace as he has space to run into the area, but he gets pushed out wide by Cathcart, who prevents the attacker from getting a cross in.

GOAL! WALES 1-0 NORTHERN IRELAND (MCAULEY OWN GOAL)

Football can be a cruel game! McAuley gifts Wales the lead by sending the ball into his own net! In fairness to the Northern Ireland defender, he couldn't have done much else. Bale makes it happen with a great ball across the six-yard box. Robson-Kanu is there to tap the ball in, but McAuley does it for him. Heartbreak for Northern Ireland, but jubilation for Wales! Can they hold on?

NORTHERN IRELAND SUB: Another change from O'Neill as Norwood makes way for McGinn.

Oh dear! There's been a collision between Jonny Williams and Ashley Williams and the game has been stopped with both receiving treatment. Hopefully both will be fine!

Some lengthy treatment for both players, but they seem well enough to carry on.

It looks like Williams will not be able to continue. He's struggling to move his left arm, but hang on, he's telling Coleman that he's fine to play. Hmm that might not be a wise decision!

Ireland are pushing forward in a bid to force the game into extra time, but so far, Wales are able to keep them at bay. The ball is sent into the box, but Hennessey manages to pluck it from the air.

There are four minutes of added time...

Robson-Kanu wins a free kick 30 yards out. Wales will use this as an opportunity to run the clock down. Bale plays it short to Ramsey and after getting it back, plays it forward and the ball bobbles behind for a goal kick.

BOOKING! A silly yellow to pick up from Ramsey as he kicks the ball away in frustration.

FULL-TIME: WALES 1-0 NORTHERN IRELAND

Congratulations Wales! They make history by reaching the quarter-finals of the European Championships for the first time in the nation's history! It's heartbreak for Northern Ireland as it was only an own goal from Gareth McAuley that separated the two sides. That's all from us. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!

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Chris Coleman leads a Wales training session on March 22, 2016
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Group A

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Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

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Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

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Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

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Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

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Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

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Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


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