Northern Ireland beats Guinea 1-0 in Spain friendly

Northern Ireland defeated Guinea 1-0 in a friendly match played in La Linea, Spain. The team started with an average age of 22.1, the youngest on record since the end of World War Two. The match drew about 300 spectators. Northern Ireland played the final 25 minutes with ten players after a defender received a red card for a last-man tackle.

Match details A 19-year-old midfielder scored the only goal.

A 20-year-old goalkeeper played the second half and made a late save to preserve the lead. Two additional teenagers made their senior debuts during the game. Several players aged 18 to 22 started or entered as substitutes.

Context and upcoming fixture The result follows a similar 1-0 win a year earlier that also ended with a player sent off. Northern Ireland next faces France on Monday in Lille. The team has played Germany, Italy, and Spain in the past two years. Players said the experience helps them approach high-profile matches without fear.