West Ham United Academy starlet Josh Briggs helped hosts Northern Ireland to a positive 0-0 draw with Ukraine in their opening clash of the 2024 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
The 18-year-old defender completed the full 90 minutes of the hard-fought encounter in front of little under 2,000 fans at Inver Park, contributing to a crucial clean sheet and a point that leaves his side third in Group A after one round of games, with Italy topping the standings having beaten Norway 2-1.
Both Northern Ireland and Ukraine battled to gain the ascendency towards the start of their gripping encounter, with respective goalkeepers Pierce Charles and Vladyslav Krapyvtsov subsequently being called into action to keep it goalless in the latter stages of the first half.
🤩💚 #GAWA #U19EURO pic.twitter.com/OFtF1tqj8e
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) July 15, 2024
Arguably the best chance of the game fell to Ukraine’s Hennadii Synchuk around the 75-minute mark, only for Charles to turn his left-footed strike past the post, and Briggs and his teammates held firm until referee Luka Bilbija blew his final whistle.
Next up for the Hammers’ teenager and the rest of Gareth McAuley’s squad is a mouth-watering match-up with Italy on Thursday 18 July at 7pm BST, before they conclude their group endeavours against Norway on Sunday 21 July (7pm BST).
With progression to the knockout stages of the eight-nation Euros firmly up for grabs, as well as a top-five finish at the tournament, which would secure a place at next year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, there is plenty for Northern Ireland to play for on home soil.
The competition is being broadcast in the UK by BBC Sport, and across Europe by UEFA's rightsholders. To find out where to watch in your country, click HERE.
