 Mal Donaghy's side face Serbia & Montenegro on Wednesday |
Northern Ireland suffered a 1-0 defeat against Greece in their first match of the European Under-19 Championship Finals at Windsor Park on Monday night. A 13th minute strike by Antonis Petropolous was enough to earn the Greeks victory in the Group A game.
Thomas Stewart claimed his shot had crossed the Greek line in the 72nd minute and Northern Ireland had late claims for a penalty turned down.
England drew 1-1 with France in the opening Group B match at the Oval.
At Windsor Park, Greece dominated the first half and probably should have had more to show for their efforts at the break than Petropoulos' early goal.
The goal came after Lazaros Christodopoulos' shot was parried by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Paul Willis with Petropoulos reacting to score.
The hosts managed to break out of their own half in the 35th minute when David Buchanan hit the Greek woodwork with a great volley.
Northern Ireland improved considerably after the break although goalscorer Petropoulos had a 67th minute effort cleared off the line by Rory McArdle.
 Thomas Stewart went close to equalising for Northern Ireland |
Five minutes later, Stewart thought he had equalised but the referee adjudged that the ball had been cleared off the line.
The hosts were certain they should have had a penalty two minutes from time when Ioannis Maniatis appeared to have handled but their claims were ignored.
In the other Group A game, Serbia & Montenegro came from two goals down to beat Germany 4-2 in a thrilling game at Mourneview Park.
Northern Ireland will have to get at least a draw in Wednesday's game against Serbia & Montenegro at the Newry Showground to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Earlier, England drew 1-1 against France in the Group B clash at the Oval.
Matthew Fryatt put England ahead in the eighth minute but Abdoulade Balde levelled for France 10 minutes later.
Yohan Gourcuff missed a great chance for France on the hour while England's Grant Leadbetter's had a free-kick saved by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
In the other Group B match, Norway defeated Armenia 2-0.
Opening fixtures - Monday 18 July
Group A
Serbia & Montenegro 4-2 Germany
Northern Ireland 0-1 Greece
Group B
France 1-1 England
Norway 2-0 Armenia
MMIX
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