There was disappointment for Craig Cathcart and Northern Ireland after their first game at a European Championship finals ended with a 1-0 defeat against Poland in Nice.

The Watford centre-half, who was winning his 28th international cap, has become a key figure under Michael O’Neill and Northern Ireland backed their defensive strength and organisation during a goalless first half in which they increasingly frustrated their opponents as they sought to extend their unbeaten run to a 13th game.

Cathcart and his defensive colleagues defended impressively for the most part, although they had a slice of fortune when Arkadiusz Milik shot over from the edge of the six-yard area after Poland had created a good opening, while a Bartosz Kapustka shot was well saved by Michael McGovern.

But the complexion of the Group C opener changed six minutes after the break when Jakub Blaszczkowski cut the ball back from the right and Milik fired home a left-footed finish which went through Cathcart’s legs, leaving McGovern partly unsighted.

The Hornets defender, who was booked in the 69th minute after clattering Robert Lewandowski while restricting the Bayern Munich star's impact throughout, did try and set up some attacks for his teammates with some long passes forward after they had fallen behind.

But while Northern Ireland did improve as an attacking force after they switched to a 4-4-2 shape to try and get back on terms, they rarely threatened to equalise after mustering just two attempts on goal.

Chris Baird, who had a spell on loan at Vicarage Road in 2004, also started for the Northern Irish, while former Hornets defender Lee Hodson was an unused substitute.

O’Neill’s side will need to offer more of an attacking threat, while retaining their defensive solidity, when they face Ukraine at 5pm on Thursday.