Euro 2016: Northern Ireland claim their first ever win

McIlroy, who was speaking on behalf of Vauxhall, Northern Ireland’s team sponsor, was at the fanzone in Belfast to witness the scenes which followed goals from Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn at the Stade de Lyon.

It was Northern Ireland’s maiden success at a European Championship finals and their first in a major tournament since the 1982 World Cup, and came in stark contrast to their Euro 2016 opener four days earlier, when a loss to Poland in Nice had left them staring at elimination.

“We know now – and other teams know now – we are a formidable force, ” Magennis said.

He said: “Exactly! The fact we have three points now gives us a chance to go through”. “I said to my players when we arrived that if you are not looking forward to playing here, you’re in the wrong industry”. Conor and I have a great relationship so I’m absolutely delighted for him.

“It was the team performance that was pleasing tonight, it was the reaction from getting beaten against Poland”. That’s what we wanted.

“There is no pressure from the outside, our fans support us no matter what”. We thought we’d let ourselves down [against Poland], just with the intensity we played at, but we’ve put it right.

“We’ve got Germany on Tuesday and we can get a result”, said Washington, who joined the Exiles from St Ives Town and moved on to first Peterborough United and then Queens Park Rangers. “In their first game they held back a bit against Poland, they didn’t play as they can, but in the second game they displayed unbelievable fight, lots of power and a huge amount of energy”. A short suspension in play in the 58th minute because of hail did not alter the team’s intent.

“I tried to get on to Richard Branson but it seems not to be happening”, he said.

“I’m standing here disappointed for myself but, hand on heart, the call the manager has made was superb”.

Those remarks were echoed by winger Stuart Dallas, who highlighted a table-topping qualifying campaign as proof they can make an impact in France.

A few years ago McGinn ruined Cristiano Ronaldo’s night when he scored when the Real Madrid man was celebrating his 100th cap but McGinn feels his goal in Lyon tops that.

But Thursday’s strike was much more significant. To score against Ronaldo on his 100th cap was a special moment.

It was McAuley’s eighth global goal and none will be toasted more back home.