Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager Michael McArdle believes Portugal will be a “formidable opponent” in the upcoming World Cup play-offs.
But he also insists his players will be ready for the challenge against the Portuguese in the first round of European play-off matches for berths at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.
McArdle said: “It’s a tough draw and, based on current form and recent achievements, probably the most challenging route available to us.
“That said, we know Portugal well and have a good understanding of the qualities they possess. They are a technically excellent, possession-based side and, as favourites, there is naturally a degree of pressure on them.”
The two-legged R1 play-off tie will be played between 7 and 13 October, with exact match dates TBC. Northern Ireland will be at home in the first leg.
Portugal were seeded in today’s play-offs draw at UEFA HQ in Switzerland. They won League B Group 3 in the group phase of the European Qualifiers, winning five of their six games and losing one. McArdle’s Northern Ireland side, who finished third in B2, were unseeded.
The Northern Ireland boss further said: “We will draw confidence from our performances in Switzerland and Turkiye (in B2), where we showed we can be brave, assertive and competitive at this level.
“As a group we are continually learning more about ourselves, strengthening our identity and culture, and these matches will represent another important step in that journey.”
Portugal are currently ranked 22nd in the world and Northern Ireland are ranked 50th.
However, McArdle insisted: “Portugal are a formidable opponent, but we will be ready for the challenge. Having the first leg at home gives us an opportunity to gain a foothold in the tie and build momentum.
“I have said from day one in this role that this team needs to be play-off ready, and now we have the chance to demonstrate exactly what that means.”
If Northern Ireland defeat the Portuguese they will take on either Croatia or Iceland in the second round of play-offs, with the winner of that tie booking a place at the World Cup finals.
