‘Unbelievable’ Northern Ireland penalty win keeps EURO 2020 dream alive

The winger grabbed a second-half equaliser for Northern Ireland in Sarajevo to cancel out Rade Krunic’s home goal in front of the 1,500 crowd and keep alive hopes of another European Championships appearance.

Ultimately, success in a first penalty shoot-out in Northern Ireland history set up a Belfast clash on November 12 for Ian Baraclough’s side against a Slovakia team which came out on top over Republic of Ireland over spot-kicks in the other semi-final.

Liam Boyce slotted home the decisive Northern Ireland penalty after Bailey Peacock-Farrell saved from Haris Hajradonovic and Edin Visca hit the crossbar in the 4-3 triumph.

It secured a first win under Baraclough’s management and handed captain Steven Davis another night to remember across his record-breaking 120-cap international career.

Conor Washington, Kyle Lafferty and Stuart Dallas were the other shoot-out scorers for Northern Ireland.

McGinn said on Sky Sports: “First and foremost it’s unbelievable, what a feeling personally to get a goal to get us back in the game. It was sheer determination, the work ethic within the squad, the team spirit was brilliant.

“For the boys to step up and take the penalties, unbelievable.

“What a night. We got the support from back home and everything has been great. This was definitely for the fans.

“We didn’t get the best of starts, we were under pressure.

“It’s a tough place to come, they’ve got lots of good players but the character we showed…we knew we had to group together at half-time but we started the second half well.

“I was getting a bit of joy down the left and I was there in the right place at the right time and slotted it away.

“I’m delighted to score but more importantly put us one step closer.”

And the Irish FA have confirmed 600 fans can attend Sunday’s Nations League match in Belfast with Austria.

Plans have been drawn up for 600 fans to be accommodated, divided between the East, West and North Upper stands of the National Football Stadium.

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