Image source, PA

Over 10,000 Northern Ireland fans travelled to Nice for their opening game against Poland, full of an optimism ahead of their nation's first major finals since the 1986 World Cup.

But their heroes hardly turned up. Michael O'Neill's side barely threatened the Polish goal, hanging on until eventually going down to Arkadiusz Milik's goal.

"We have spent most of our time since the Poland match looking at ways of doing things better," says O'Neill.

"The margin between success and failure is so fine. Steven Davis was half an inch from maybe getting an equaliser and that would have put a whole new slant on it."

Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn is impressed by this afternoon's workplace. No Pittodrie though, is it?!

Lyle Jackson
BBC Sport NI in Lyon

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has sprung a major surprise by making five changes to his starting team for the Group C match against Ukraine.

Up front, top scorer in qualifying Kyle Lafferty is left out – with Conor Washington supported by Jamie Ward and Stuart Dallas.

In a 4-3-3 formation, 36-year-old defender Aaron Hughes wins his 101st cap in a back four alongside Gareth McAuley, Craig Cathcart and Jonny Evans.

Corry Evans comes into midfield, which means he and Jonny become the first brothers to play in a Northern Ireland team at a major tournament.

Shane Ferguson, Conor McLaughlin, Chris Baird and Paddy McNair drop out of the starting 11.

The Northern Ireland lads looked very relaxed as they sussed out the Stade de Lyon in the French sunshine earlier. A few showed steady hands to take panoramic pictures, Steven Davis showed a steady hand as he sipped on what surely wasn't a cuppa. 

Image source, #bbceuro2016

Northern Ireland know they have to beat Ukraine to stand any realistic chance of reaching the last 16. In fact, they knew that when the draw was made seven months ago.

But Ukraine are in the same boat. Mykhaylo Fomenko's side lost 2-0 against world champions Germany in their opener, meaning they will be lying on the beach next week if they don't win in Lyon.

Kyle Lafferty does not start for Northern Ireland. I repeat... Kyle Lafferty does not start for Northern Ireland!!

The Green and White Army's talisman starts on the bench. Dropped or a slight knock? Sure we will find out soon enough.

Northern Ireland XI: M McGovern, A Hughes, G McAuley, C Cathcart, J Evans, C Evans, O Norwood, S Davis, S Dallas, J Ward, C Washington.

Hello! Calmed down after all that drama? I'm talking about that repeated episode of Doctors you've just watched. Obvs. I mean, there is only one Euro 2016 match with British interest to get excited about today. Right?

Image source, Getty Images

Unfortunately there was no romance to end Northern Ireland's first rendezvous in France. Despite all the preening and prep, Michael O'Neill's men suffered a bit of a stage fright in Sunday's opening 1-0 defeat by Poland.

But, despite a few tears on Sunday, all is not lost yet.

They have another chance to perform - and today they must take it.

Defeat against Ukraine will all but see the Green and White Army become the first side to pack their bags for the trip home. No pressure, lads.

Ever had that feeling when you really, really can't wait for something? Like REALLY can't wait. 

Perhaps a date with that person you've fancied for ages and who you've finally managed to tempt out for a drink. 

Then it didn't quite go to plan. You were so overcome by nerves that you couldn't relax and be yourself, failing to dazzle with your wit, charm and humour.

Northern Ireland's first outing with the European Championship ended up being a little like that...

Image source, Getty Images