Blackburn Rovers midfielder Corry Evans makes history in magnificent Northern Ireland victory

After being an unused substitute in Michael O’Neill men’s opening Group C defeat to Poland, the Blackburn Rovers midfielder was named in the starting line-up for the rain-lashed Stade de Lyon encounter alongside his elder sibling, West Brom defender Jonny Evans.

That meant Corry, 25, and Jonny, 28, became the first brothers to play for Northern Ireland in the finals of a major tournament.

But that was not the only history created on what was an unforgettable night for the country.

Second-half goals from Gareth McAuley and substitute Niall McGinn, the first following a wonderfully flighted free kick from Reading’s Burnley-born midfielder Oliver Norwood, earned Northern Ireland their first ever victory in a European Championship.

It was also the country’s first victory at a major tournament since Gerry Armstrong’s iconic goal sealed a famous 1-0 win over hosts Spain at the 1982 World Cup.

Corry, who twice went close in the first half before being taken off in injury-time at the end of the second, moments before McGinn’s clincher, was excellent, like the rest of his team-mates.

But it was his older brother Jonny, playing out of position at left-back, who starred, as he kept Ukraine dangerman Andriy Yarmolenko under lock and key.

Northern Ireland, who moved up to third in the standings as a result of their stunning success, face reigning world champions Germany in their final group game on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes in Paris (5pm kick-off).

West Brom centre-back McAuley, who scored his country’s first goal at a major tournament since 1986, said: “It is special to score. It will sink in over the next couple of days.

“It was the team performance tonight. It was a great reaction after the defeat by Poland.

“We had a point to prove to ourselves. We thought we let ourselves down in our intensity. But we have put that right.

“It is pleasing and we will take confidence from it. But we have a tough game ahead.”