The tournament was surprising in its outcome, as the favourites in England and Scotland played each other into a 1–1 draw in the final game, thus allowing Northern Ireland to claim victory on goal difference, with Wales second. This was only the third time in 87 tournaments that (Northern) Ireland were undisputed champions, and the only time goal difference was used to determine a champion.
The tournament had an unexpected outcome because England's and Scotland's top teams drew 1-1 in the final match, resulting in Northern Ireland winning the championship on goal difference. This was a unique situation, as it marked only the third time in 87 tournaments that Northern Ireland emerged as champions, with Wales finishing second.