There were 21 goals scored across Thursday’s eight Euro 2016 qualifying matches.
But perhaps none was enjoyed more than this header from Josh Magennis, which helped Northern Ireland secure their once-unlikely passage to Euro 2016 with a 3-1 victory over Greece in Belfast.
Watch more brilliant snippets like this with fanatix’s FREE sports video news app.
The Kilmarnock forward’s first international goal came in between two strikes from captain Steven Davis as Michael O’Neill’s side reached their first major tournament since 1986.
Victory over Finland, who held Romania 1-1 this evening, on Sunday will see Ireland finish top of Group F and leave Romania and Hungary fighting for the other automatic qualification place.
Four successive draws for Romania have allowed the Hungarians to catch up, and they moved to within a point of their rivals tonight by coming from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over the Faroe Islands.
It was a mixed night for the other home nations as the Republic of Ireland enhanced their qualifying chances with a stunning win over Germany, but Scotland cruelly crashed out at home to Poland.
SEE MORE: Scotland 2-2 Poland video report: Richie scores stunner but game’s final kick sees Strachan’s boys bow out of Euro 2016
The Scots conceded a last-gasp equaliser to Robert Lewandowski in a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park, after Matt Richie and Steven Fletcher had magnificently cancelled out the Bayern Munich striker’s opener.
And that result coupled with a famous triumph for the Republic over the world champions, courtesy of a 70th-minute winner from substitute Shane Long, sealed Scotland’s unfortunate fate.
SEE MORE: Shane Long goal video: Ireland 1-0 Germany – Saints striker sends Republic to brink of Euro 2016
The Boys in Green face Poland in Warsaw on Sunday in a match which will decide who automatically joins Germany in the Finals, assuming Joachim Low’s side beat Georgia, who thrashed Gibraltar 4-0.
Portugal booked their place in France next summer courtesy of a 1-0 win over Denmark – their sixth victory in a row and their fourth by that scoreline during their Group I campaign.
Joao Moutinho marked his 80th cap with his third international goal – a disappointing total considering the midfielder’s talent – but this solo effort was worth its weight in gold.
Denmark’s hopes of qualifying now rest on Armenia thwarting Albania this weekend. Two stoppage-time goals, one from Manchester City’s Aleksander Kolarov, saw Serbia beat their fierce rivals 2-0.
SEE ALSO:
Harry Kane’s England portfolio shows why Arsenal ‘striker’ & Liverpool new boy should be snubbed
Chelsea transfer done, shirt number confirmed & possible debut date set – watch new signing in action
Jurgen Klopp tactics – gegenpressing video gives Liverpool fans glimpse of future under new manager
COMMENTS