Charles scores twice as NI win on O'Neill's return

3 years ago 38

Michael O'Neill's second spell as manager got off to a winning start as Dion Charles gave Northern Ireland a 2-0 away victory in San Marino.

The in-form Bolton striker settled his side's nerves with his first international goal on 23 minutes and added a second soon after the break.

NI got the win they were expected to as they began their Euro 2024 bid against the world's lowest-ranked side.

O'Neill's men host Finland at Windsor Park on Sunday.

More to follow.

Line-ups

Formation 5-3-2

Formation 3-5-2

Match ends, San Marino 0, Northern Ireland 2.
Second Half ends, San Marino 0, Northern Ireland 2.
Attempt missed. Lorenzo Lazzari (San Marino) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right following a set piece situation.
Foul by Shea Charles (Northern Ireland).
Lorenzo Lazzari (San Marino) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Jordan Thompson (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Danilo Rinaldi (San Marino).
Foul by Conor Bradley (Northern Ireland).
Matteo Vitaioli (San Marino) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Substitution, San Marino. Matteo Vitaioli replaces Nicola Nanni because of an injury.
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Delay in match because of an injury Nicola Nanni (San Marino).
Substitution, Northern Ireland. Isaac Price replaces Ciaron Brown.
Foul by Cameron McGeehan (Northern Ireland).
Nicola Nanni (San Marino) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Offside, Northern Ireland. Ciaron Brown tries a through ball, but Josh Magennis is caught offside.
Craig Cathcart (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Danilo Rinaldi (San Marino).
Shea Charles (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Michael Battistini (San Marino).