With Germany and Netherlands also present in Group C, it was imperative Michael O'Neill's side got off to a strong start and it lived up to expectations with a dominant display in Belfast.

Paddy McNair's dreadful miss summed up Northern Ireland's frustration in the first half, but McGinn's first international goal since Euro 2016 broke the deadlock after the restart. 

With Bailey Peacock-Farrell having made a superb save to keep the hosts' lead intact, Davis made sure of the win from the penalty spot as Northern Ireland joined Netherlands in making a winning start in the pool.

Northern Ireland should have been rewarded for a positive start in the 19th minute, but McNair somehow headed into the ground and over a gaping goal from three yards out.

Jamal Lewis had a penalty appeal turned down as the hosts maintained the pressure, with Jordan Jones drilling just wide soon after.

Northern Ireland finally had their lead in the 56th minute, though, Kyle Lafferty laying the ball off for McGinn to slam home through a crowd of players.

McNair could have atoned for his earlier miss eight minutes later, only to head over once more, and Northern Ireland would have been made to pay had Peacock-Farrell not denied Henri Anier from point-blank range.

That save paid further dividends four minutes later when Karol Mets scythed down George Saville – Davis making no mistake from 12 yards to make sure of Northern Ireland's first competitive win in nine matches.