Comeback kings do it again

Setting the pace
The victory, coupled with hosts Belgium's 0-0 draw against Scotland, means the Northern Irish are setting the early pace in this section, in which the top team will reach the eight-team finals in France.

Mazy dribble
Anton Putsila put the Belarussians ahead after just 14 minutes after a mazy dribble and doubled his side's advantage eight metres later with a powerful drive from the corner of the penalty box.

Northern Irish fightback
This Northern Ireland team have made a habit of launching comebacks though, and so it proved again. Seven minutes before the interval Michael O'Connor reduced the arrears with a header from a corner and eight minutes after the break substitute Scott McCordick drove into the net from another flag kick.

Rousing recovery
In the 65th minute, Michael Carville completed a rousing recovery by putting his side 3-2 ahead and there was no way back for the Belarussians. "We dominated the first half, but it was the better physical preparation of the Irish side that overcame us," said Belarus coach Yuri Pyshnik. "Our last two games against Scotland and Belgium will be very difficult."

Tactic change
Northern Ireland coach Kenneth Shiels said: "Due to mistakes we conceded two goals, but after that we changed our tactics. I feel we fully deserved to win. Our opponents were tough. We came to the tournament to fight for third place with Belarus, we always thought Belgium and Scotland would be favourites. I think we've done very well in our first match."

Next games
On Monday the Northern Irish will face Scotland while Belarus take on Belgium.