ANALYSIS: Ukraine 0-2 Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland secured its maiden win at a European championship finals as a second-half header from Gareth McAuley and a late Niall McGinn strike defeated Ukraine 2-0 in a bitterly cold Lyon.

Defender McAuley powered home Oliver Norwood's deep free-kick in the 49th minute to score his country's first goal at a major tournament since Colin Clarke found the net against Spain at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Not even heavy rain — which turned into huge hailstones in the second half, causing the game to be suspended for two minutes — could dampen the spirits of those wearing green inside a sodden Parc Olympique Lyonnais, and they wrapped up a historic win when McGinn lashed home in stoppage-time.

While Ukraine is now mired at the bottom of Group C without a point after two games, the victory for Northern Ireland rekindles its hopes of qualifying for the last 16.

It also vindicated manager Michael O'Neill's decision to make five changes to the XI that started the 1-0 loss to Poland on Monday (AEST).

Kyle Lafferty was one of those to be left out, a surprising move considering the forward scored seven goals in his country's successful qualifying campaign.

Still, after it had been so placid against Poland, O’Neill's selection shake-up had the desired effect and resulted in a performance with far more pace and purpose.

Stuart Dallas tested Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov from long range before the Northern Ireland's fans broke out in applause in the 24th minute in memory of fellow supporter Darren Rodgers, who died in an accident in Nice on Tuesday.

Craig Cathcart planted a header from a driven corner just wide towards the end of a first half that also saw defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy have Ukraine's only notable attempt at goal, his low shot from distance finding the arms of goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

A glancing header from Yevhen Seleznyov just missed the target early in the second half, but McAuley made sure he hit the target with his opportunity soon afterwards.

Stationed at the back post, the West Bromwich Albion defender rose high to meet Norwood's curling delivery and aim a header across Pyatov. The goal sparked wild scenes of celebration of Irish celebration, both on the field and in the stands.

Seleznyov failed to take a similar opportunity for Ukraine — aiming his header straight at McGovern from an in-swinging set-piece — just prior to the game being suspended because of the weather conditions.

When play resumed, Viktor Kovalenko saw a well-struck drive drift just wide of the target with McGovern rooted to the spot.

Andriy Yarmolenko's left-footed drive did force McGovern into a smart low save in the 90th minute, but Northern Ireland made sure of its first victory over Ukraine with a second goal deep into added time as Dallas's shot was only parried and McGinn pounced.