Northern Ireland began their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a tough assignment in Switzerland tonight.
League B Group 2 top seeds Switzerland scored in either half at Stade de la Tuilière in Lausanne to register a 2-0 victory against a dogged Northern Ireland team.
Northern Ireland’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 European qualifier saw interim manager Kris Lindsay’s side defend resolutely for long periods as Switzerland dominated possession.
The Swiss, hosts and quarter-finalists in last summer’s UEFA Women’s Euros, started brightly. Winger Riola Xhemaili scooped a shot wide during the early exchanges.
The home side pinned the visitors back in the opening 20 minutes. The Northern Ireland defence held firm, with Ellie Mason in particular producing some important blocks.
In the 21st minute Switzerland attacker Iman Beney fired a dangerous cross into the area, however goalie and captain Jackie Burns smothered the ball.
A minute later, however, Switzerland took the lead. A corner from the Swiss captain, Lia Walti, was not cleared and the ball fell to Xhemaili who swivelled and fired the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.
Beney’s scuffed shot went wide as the Swiss continued to press.
The Northern Ireland defence, with Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna, Laura Rafferty and Mason working tirelessly, with Natalie Johnson and Brenna McPartlan in front of them, repelled several attacks.
On 38 minutes midfielder McPartlan jinked her way into the Swiss area, however she dragged her shot wide.
As half-time approached Switzerland’s Aurelie Csillag fired a shot past the upright.
Just after the break a Sydney Schertenleib delivery from a corner was met by Csillag but her header drifted well wide, and then Burns held on to two Csillag strikes in quick succession.
In the 62nd minute Burns raced off her line to clear the ball as Csillag looked ready to pounce once again.
McKenna made a timely intervention when Xhemaili was about to pull the trigger close to the six-yard box.
Then Swiss keeper Livia Peng had to race off her line to smother the ball as Caragh Hamilton threatened.
Schertenleib strode forward for the Swiss. However, just as she unleashed a shot, Johnson produced an excellent block and the ball spiralled out for a corner.
A long range shot from Johnson sailed over the top before Swiss substitute Leila Wandeler steered a header off target as the home side went in search of a second goal.
Holloway’s free-kick found Mason at the back post, but her shot drifted wide.
Switzerland made sure of the three points at the start of injury time. Substitute Svenja Folmli spun away from Rafferty just outside the area and her low drive found the bottom corner.
Towards the end of the match Northern Ireland substitute Danielle Maxwell let fly from distance but Peng managed to hold on to the ball.
There was still time for Burns to come off her line to stop Folmli in her tracks. Her clearance fell to another Swiss sub, Alisha Lehmann, who failed to hit the target.
Next up for second seeds Northern Ireland is a B2 qualifier against third seeds Turkiye on Saturday (7 March). That game is being staged at Mourneview Park in Lurgan (7pm). Tickets are available at irishfa.com/tickets.
Turkiye defeated Malta 3-0 at home earlier today in their opening qualifier.
Switzerland: Livia Peng, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, Nadine Riesen, Viola Calligaris, Julia Stierli, Geraldine Reuteler, Riola Xhemaili, Lia Walti (captain), Aurelie Csillag, Sydney Schertenleib, Iman Beney.
Substitutes: (used) Alisha Lehmann, Svenja Folmli, Leila Wandeler, Noemi Ivelj, Lia Kamber; (unused) Elvira Herzog (GK), Irina Fuchs (GK), Laia Balleste, Coumba Sow, Seraina Piubel, Leela Egli, Meriame Terchoun.
Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns (captain), Rebecca McKenna, Ellie Mason, Laura Rafferty, Rebecca Holloway, Natalie Johnson, Caragh Hamilton, Brenna McPartlan, Leyla McFarland, Megan Bell, Lauren Wade.
Substitutes: (used) Nadene Caldwell, Mia Moore, Kascie Weir, Danielle Maxwell, Casey Howe; (unused) Lauren Perry, Abbie Smith, Sarah McFadden, Keri Halliday, Aimee Kerr, Louise McDaniel, Abi Sweetlove.
Action from Lausanne
