2002 World Cup - Northern Ireland 1 Malta 0

The Belfast crowd had a great football afternoon which will prove to be very important in Group C as host Northern Ireland beat Malta after dominating the game.

Despite having several chances the home side was unable to score until Phil Gray - a substitute for Stuart Elliot - came on in his debut as an international in the 63rd minute. Only seven minutes later the striker got a pass from Kevin Horlock and beat goalkeeper Ernest Barry with a low finish in the centre of goal.

Manchester City's Horlock performed superbly throughout and had several chances to score, hitting the post in the second half. Meanwhile, Malta's only good chance arrived when George Mallia also hit the bar in the 22nd minute with a swerving shot.