For a long time after the final whistle Northern Ireland’s players soaked up the appreciation voiced by a green and white throng that had congregated in the east stand. The post-match communions between players and fans have been notable so far in this tournament for their warmth and sincerity; this particular show of love was well earned and followed a performance that suggested appearances on this stage could become commonplace for the debutants.
The better side won this encounter, that much was wholly obvious, but Austria were not allowed any measure of the comfort that had looked likely early on. Nothing was decided until Katharina Naschenweng, the substitute, had drilled in from an angle towards the end and Kenny Shiels’ team deserved credit for the way they clawed a foothold in the game. Although they will play for pride against England on Friday, they have already fostered plenty of it.
