Norn Iron defender Gareth McAuley was the unfortunate scorer of an own-goal late in the second half as he turned Gareth Bale's dangerous cross into his own net under pressure from Nathan Robson-Kanu.
The round of 16 match between Wales and Nothern Ireland was not particularly exciting but it was definitely a very engaging battle between the two rival nations.
It seemed almost fitting that the only way Wales were able to breech the Norn Iron defence was by Gareth McAuley putting the ball into the back of his own net to the Dragons ahead with just 15 minutes left on the clock.
The first real chance of the game fell to Stuart Dallas in the 10th minute as he hit a powerful strike from just outside the area, but he was denied by a terrific save by Wayne Hennessey.
Aaron Ramsey thought he'd given Wales the lead in the 19th minute but it was correctly ruled out for offside, moments before Hennessey had to pull another fantastic save to deny Jamie Ward.
Wales enjoyed the lion's share of possession, but Northern Ireland were making it very difficult for them to do anything with the ball. When the halftime whistle blew, Norn Iron's two attempts were the only ones on target between both teams in the whole first half.
The Dragons were able to make better use of the ball in the second half. Aaron Ramsey lifted a delightful cross into the box for Sam Vokes, and the big targetted man would've been bitterly disappointed he didn't get his header on target.
Gareth Bale then showed his class, having a go from a free kick about 30 metres away from goal, but he's denied by a good save.
The Welsh were eventually able to break the Northern Irish resolve and it couldn't have come in crueller circumstances. Once again it was Bale who provided the cross into the box and Gareth McAuley stuck a leg out to try deflect the danger, but only managed to put the ball into the back of his own net in the 75th minute.
Late on there was a big collision between Ashley Williams and Jonathan Williams, which caused a long stoppage while they were treated, but both managed to continue after the short break.