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Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley became the hero of the night as his deflected strike secured a historic victory against Euro 2024-bound Scotland at Hampden Park.
The 20-year-old Liverpool full-back, on the back of a remarkable rise, expressed his elation after scoring his first international goal, propelling Northern Ireland to an unbeaten streak of three matches while leaving Scotland winless in seven.
Bradley’s decisive goal, coming against the run of play, sent shockwaves through Hampden Park as the traveling Northern Irish supporters erupted in celebration. His curling effort, which took a deflection off Jack Hendry, nestled into the top corner, leaving Scotland goalkeeper helpless.
Reflecting on his memorable strike, Bradley admitted, “I don’t think I could have dreamed of it going the way it did.” His goal proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested encounter, where Northern Ireland’s defensive resilience thwarted Scotland’s attempts to mount a comeback.
Manager Michael O’Neill praised Bradley’s contribution, highlighting his versatility and energy on the pitch. He lauded the defender’s ability to create space for the shot and described his finish as “brilliant.”
Despite the victory, O’Neill emphasized that there is still room for improvement in his team’s performance. While delighted with the result and defensive solidity, he acknowledged the need for better link-up play and ball retention.
Nonetheless, the triumph at Hampden Park marks a significant milestone for Northern Ireland, securing their first win over Scotland at the venue in 41 years. With the team showing signs of maturity and resilience, O’Neill remains optimistic about their prospects moving forward, describing the result as “brilliant” for his players.