Match Centre

Northern Ireland's 3-0 win was fully deserved, outperforming Ukraine's 73% possession with ruthless efficiency. Despite being outpassed 711 to 270, the visitors scored from all three shots on target, including Ciaron Brown's early brace (9', 61') and Isaac Price's 22nd-minute strike. Ukraine's territorial dominance yielded just 2 shots on target from 11 attempts (0.57 xG), with only 5 shots coming from inside the box.

The key tactical battle saw Northern Ireland's compact 5-4-1 absorb pressure before striking clinically. Their 27% possession translated to 7 shots inside Ukraine's box (vs Ukraine's 5) and a higher xG per shot (0.3 vs 0.05). Kieran Morrison's assist for Price's goal and Pierce Charles' long-ball assist for Brown's second showcased their direct threat. Ukraine's 7 corners yielded nothing, while Northern Ireland's sole set-piece led to Brown's opener.

The decisive stat: Northern Ireland converted 100% of their shots on target against Ukraine's 0% (0/2) - a textbook away performance built on defensive resilience and lethal finishing.