Charles brothers inspire Northern Ireland to historic away win in Georgia

Northern Ireland secured their first-ever away victory in Nations League history on Friday, beating Georgia in the opening match of their B Group 2 campaign in Tbilisi. Two brothers, goalkeeper Pierce Charles and midfielder Shea Charles, were central to the result.

Pierce Charles, on loan at Queens Park Rangers, saved a second-half penalty from Ballon d'Or nominee Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and made several other key stops that kept Northern Ireland on course for what looked set to be a hard-earned point.

But in the 99th minute, older brother Shea Charles scored the latest goal in the national team's history, sealing a memorable win in front of roughly 60 travelling Northern Ireland supporters.

Manager Michael O'Neill praised both brothers afterwards, highlighting Pierce's distribution and the security his passing gave the back three, as well as Shea's physical presence and ability to beat opponents, noting that Shea was fouled repeatedly without the referee producing cards.

Pierce was named player of the match and described the performance as his best yet in a Northern Ireland shirt. Shea, 22, who joined Fulham from Southampton over the summer, said he felt he should have scored more than once but was pleased with how the team held firm after the penalty save.

The squad flew home shortly after the match, with little time to rest before facing Hungary at Windsor Park on Monday — their first game in Belfast since November.