Northern Ireland were defeated by Portugal in a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 play-off tonight.
The 4-0 scoreline was harsh on Northern Ireland, who battled hard throughout against classy opponents.
Larne’s Inver Park hosted the first leg of the European Qualifiers round one play-off, with the game attracting just over 1400 fans.
Three first half goals from Portugal knocked the wind out of Northern Ireland’s sails, however Michael McArdle’s side performed much better after the break.
McArdle handed a first senior cap to defender Jane McMaster and a first start to defender/midfielder Emily Cassap.
Northern Ireland keeper Jackie Burns was called into action early on to grab a cross from Catarina Amado.
Portugal were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute as McMaster was adjudged to have handled the ball during a scramble in the Northern Ireland box. Following a lengthy VAR review, Telma Encarnacao stepped up to coolly slot home the spot kick to put the visitors one up.
Portugal sprayed the ball around quickly and confidently as they continued to press. Captain Tatiana Pinto clipped a cross onto the top of the net.
Fi Morgan sent Ellie Mason free down the left flank and her teasing cross into the area just evaded the advancing Rebecca McKenna.
Portugal doubled their lead on 22 minutes following a flowing move. Encarnacao was fed the ball down the left wing and raced forward before firing it into the area where it was swept home by Jessica Silva.
Six minutes later Portugal scored again. Amado delivered a cross into the area which struck Northern Ireland defender Rebecca Holloway and ended up in the back of the net.
In the 35th minute midfielder Brenna McPartlan let fly from distance, however her shot drifted wide.
Silva curled a shot past the upright as Portugal pushed forward once again.
At the start of the second half Pinto’s low shot was easily collected by Burns, and Northern Ireland captain McKenna put in an excellent block as Silva threatened.
Portugal keeper Ines Pereira punched a McKenna free-kick away as Morgan looked set to get on the end of it. Substitute Kess Elmore, making her debut, tried to recycle the ball but was stopped in her tracks.
Encarnacao produced a low drive which did not trouble Burns, however the goalkeeper had to be alert to push away a Silva strike from close range.
On 64 minutes Portugal defender Amado got her marching orders from referee Iuliana Demetrescu. She was initially booked for a foul on Elmore but then received a red card for dissent.
Pereira dived full length to push away a Mason shot as Northern Ireland looked to take advantage of having an extra player on the pitch.
Substitute Cora Chambers forced an excellent save out of Pereira. The keeper had to claw away a vicious strike from the Northern Ireland attacker.
Morgan then tested the Portuguese keeper with a header, while Pinto drilled a shot over the bar down the other end.
Charlotte Havern, aged just 16, came off the bench in the 81st minute to make her senior debut for Northern Ireland.
Elmore’s cross was grabbed by the Portugal keeper before the visitors extended their lead. Fatima Pinto found the bottom corner with a deflected strike from distance.
Chambers was harshly sent off in added time. The referee adjudged she had pulled Portugal defender Carolina Correia’s hair as they battled for possession.
The second leg of the play-off is being played in Portimao in Portugal on Tuesday.
Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Jane McMaster, Ellie Mason, Rebecca Holloway, Fi Morgan, Natalie Johnson, Rebecca McKenna (captain), Aimee Kerr, Lauren Wade, Brenna McPartlan, Emily Cassap.
Substitutes: (used) Casey Howe, Kess Elmore, Cora Chambers, Mia Moore, Charlotte Havern; (unused) Maddy Harvey Clifford, Lauren Perry, Abi Sweetlove, Keri Halliday, Leyla McFarland, Connie Scofield, Lucy-Jayne Grant.
Portugal: Ines Perreira, Catarina Amado, Joana Marchao, Diana Gomes, Carolina Correia, Fatima Pinto, Tatiana Pinto (captain), Andreia Jacinto, Telma Encarnacao, Jessica Silva, Andreia Faria.
Substitutes: (used) Lucia Alves, Andreia Norton, Nelly Rodrigues, Carolina Santiago, Dolores Silva; (unused) Patricia Morais (GK), Nair Pina (GK), Stephanie Ribeiro, Carole Costa, Alice Marques, Nadia Bravo, Raquel Ferreira.
Action from Inver Park
