Euro 2016: Arkadiusz Milik magic downs Irish

Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik broke Northern Ireland hearts on Sunday after scoring the only goal in their Group C opener in Nice.

Poland had never before won a match before at Euro, with three draws and three losses over two appearances in 2008 and 2012 — the latter a tournament that they co-hosted with Ukraine.

Now they can look forward to a spicy tie with neighbours Germany in the Stade de France on June 16 with eyes on a spot in the last 16.

The result dents Northern Ireland’s hopes of qualifying from a tough group as one of the four best third-placed teams, with a win now essential against Ukraine in Lyon the same day.

Adam Nawalka’s side dominated the game but took time to break down a stubborn defence, Milik’s strike early in the second half coming after several missed chances in the first.