We all know what’s not going to happen.
Leicester City winning the Premier League. Kim Kardashian leaving by a back door to dodge the paparazzi. And Northern Ireland leaving Euro 2016 without a point. Right?
Wrong my friend, so very wrong.
Michael O’Neill’s side hadn’t a W after their name at a major finals for 34 years until Gareth McAuley & Niall McGinn sent their fans into raptures in the rain with the 2-0 win over the Ukraine last night.
But one lucky lad from county Antrim had more reason that most to celebrate as he bagged £3,760 off Paddy by sticking it to the man and backing Gareth McAuley to score first and the North to win 2-0.
And the presumptuous punter was left in clover as his £10 stake, placed just 20 minutes before kick-off was rewarded with a winning 376/1 scorecast as McCauley’s 49th-minute strike led to a nerve-shredding wait before McGinn sealed the deal in squeaky bum time.
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It was an inspired bit of punting as the McAuley had scored just six times in the last three years before the Ukraine game. Three of those were against the Faroe Islands, which we aren’t going to count because your nan’s three legged cat could score against the Faroe Islands.
With the North now in with a chance of qualifying, they head to Paris to take on the champions of the World Germany on Tuesday. The chance of making the last 16 of a major tournament was as unlikely as an Aston Villa fan having that winning feeling three weeks ago. Now though, that could become a reality.
- Regardless, this heroic customer became the latest entrant into our Punting Hall of Fame. Fancy a spot in there? Our full range of Euro 2016 odds are right here.