Northern Ireland qualifies for its first Euros

Posted October 08, 2015 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Northern Ireland's Steven Davis, left, celebrates scoring with Josh Magennis, top, against Greece during their Euro 2016 Group F qualifying soccer match at Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015. (AP Photo/John McVitty) The Associated Press

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) - Northern Ireland qualified for its first European Championship on Thursday following a 3-1 win over Greece.

Goals from captain Steven Davis and Josh Magennis guarantees Michael O'Neill's side a place in France in June.

Davis opened the scoring from close range in the 35th minute with Magennis doubling the hosts' lead shortly after the interval. Davis added a third in the 58th before Hristos Aravidis netted a consolation for Greece with four minutes remaining.

Elsewhere, Romanian midfielder Ovidu Hoban scored in second-half stoppage time to seal a 1-1 draw against Finland after Joel Pohjanpalo had put the visitors ahead in the 66th minute.

Hungary came from behind to beat the Faroe Islands 2-1 in Budapest courtesy of two second-half goals from substitute Daniel Bode.

Northern Ireland's Josh Magennis celebrates with manager Michael O'Neill after scoring against Greece during their Euro 2016 Group F qualifying soccer match at Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015. (AP Photo/John McVitty) The Associated Press

Professional golfer Northern Ireland's Rory McElroy in happy mood at Windsor park during their game against Greece during their Euro 2016 Group F qualifying soccer match at Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015. (AP Photo/John McVitty) The Associated Press

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