Northern Ireland hope to complete a famous comeback against Iceland in the second leg of a UEFA Women’s Nations League play-off tonight.
Senior women’s team manager, Tanya Oxtoby, believes her squad is still in the tie ahead of tonight’s fixture.
“It’s 2-0; we’re still in the tie,” said Oxtoby after the match. “There are improvements to be made, but, overall, I’m really proud of the group.”
The senior women's team aims to pull off an upset tonight at ÞrótturStadium (5pm kick-off local time). Originally scheduled to take place Tuesday, 28 October, the game was postponed due to severe weather conditions in Reykjavík, and the pitch at the original venue, Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, was deemed unplayable.
Iceland, ranked 17th in the world compared to Northern Ireland’s 44th, created several chances from the start. However, the home side fended off any threats from the visitors in the early stages of the match with resolute defending.
And, Jackie Burns's delivered a standout goalkeeping performance to ensure Northern Ireland go into tonight’s game with confidence.
Northern Ireland took the game to their opponents in the second half and even had opportunities of their own to equalize, including a chance for debutant midfielder Mia Moore, which was blocked by the Icelandic defence.
Ultimately, it was Ingibjörg Sigurdardóttir’s header from Karólína Vilhjálmsdóttir’s corner kick in the 75th minute that sealed the game for the visitors.
Oxtoby was pleased with the performance:
“Every single player on that pitch executed what we asked from them, and they can be really proud of themselves, and it gives us a great platform going into the second game,” the Northern Ireland manager said.
In addition to Moore, Leyla McFarland made her senior international debut when she entered the match in the 83rd minute. It was a momentous occasion for the striker, who is eligible for Northern Ireland through her father.
“Just to step on the field, it is such an honor to play for Northern Ireland,” said an elated McFarland.
“It’s almost a little emotional to be back here and to get to play for this team, so I can’t be happier right now.”
Moore and McFarland's debuts clearly demonstrated the talent emerging through the Northern Ireland pathway.
“The youngsters have been exceptional all week in training, and I think there’s always opportunity if they prove that they’re good enough; it doesn’t matter how old they are,” said Oxtoby.
Heading into the matchup tonight, the players were aligned with Oxtoby’s mindset:
“I think we were chuffed with the performance on Friday night, and I think we are hoping to come into the game with a lot to give,” said defender Nat Johnson after Monday’s training session.
“This is a contest we are still very much still in, so the girls are going to give it their all. We believe we are very much in this tie and looking forward to the challenge.”
Watch the match live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website from 4.50pm.
