Northern Ireland were defeated by Portugal tonight in the second leg of a FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers round one play-off.
Michael McArdle’s side took the lead against the Portuguese in their own backyard but the opposition’s quality shone through in the end as they won the game 3-1 and the two-legged play-off 7-1 on aggregate.
Northern Ireland’s goal in Portimao was scored by Kess Elmore on her first start for the team.
The Northern Ireland manager made three changes to the 11 who started Friday’s 4-0 first leg defeat in Larne. In came attackers Keri Halliday, Casey Howe and Elmore. Dropping to the bench were Lauren Wade, Brenna McPartlan and Jane McMaster.
Portugal made six changes to their starting 11, with 35-year-old Dolores Silva coming in to captain the side. The midfielder was earning her 184th cap.
Northern Ireland produced a solid display full of grit, skill and determination.
Portuguese striker Carolina Santiago had the first effort of the game, scooping a shot well past the post.
Northern Ireland captain Rebecca McKenna put her body on the line to stop Stephanie Ribeiro as she tried to get a header on target.
On 19 minutes Halliday fed Elmore who strode forward and produced a low drive which was gathered in by the Portugal keeper.
Northern Ireland keeper Jackie Burns raced off her line to dive bravely at the feet of the advancing Ribeiro, with the ball squirming out for a corner.
Then Fatima Pinto found space inside the area, however she fired her shot over the top.
Portugal right back Lucia Alves was a constant thorn in the Northern Ireland defence’s side, raiding down the right flank.
A quick counter attack by Portugal saw the ball reach Santiago up top. She stepped past Fi Morgan and unleashed a shot which flew over the bar.
Portugal, who are currently in 22nd position in the FIFA Coca-Cola Women’s World Rankings compared to Northern Ireland in 50th, had the bulk of the possession during the game at Portimao Estadio.
But it was Northern Ireland who took the lead. On the half-hour mark a long throw from Rebecca Holloway into the area was not dealt with by the Portugal defence. The ball eventually dropped to Elmore and she stroked it home from 11 yards to register her first international goal.
Andreia Faria blasted a shot over the bar from distance as Portugal looked to respond quickly. Pinto also fired a long range effort over the top.
As half-time approached Emily Cassap floated a free-kick towards the back post. It was met by Morgan, however she could only direct her header over the bar.
On 45 minutes Ribeiro found Santiago in space inside the area. The striker’s initial effort smashed against the woodwork, however Santiago tucked home the rebound to draw the sides level. The equaliser was confirmed following a VAR review.
Lucy-Jayne Grant came off the bench at half-time to make her senior international debut for Northern Ireland.
Andreia Jacinto whipped in a superb delivery from a corner, however none of the Portugal attackers could get a touch to it.
Grant slid in superbly to block an Alves cross as Portugal upped the ante, while Mason and McKenna raced back to stop Santiago in her tracks, although the striker was eventually flagged for being offside.
The Northern Ireland defence managed to stand firm despite beginning to tire in balmy conditions.
On 74 minutes, however, Portugal edged ahead on the night. Telma Encarnacao raced down the left flank before delivering a pinpoint cross to fellow sub Jessica Silva – and she cleverly chested the ball into the back of the net.
Substitute Andreia Norton hit the woodwork before Portugal were awarded a penalty when Mason handled the ball inside the area. Defender Carole Costa stepped up to coolly slot the ball into the corner of the net to make it 3-1 to the home side.
In the closing stages Naomi McLaughlin entered the fray, making her senior international debut for Northern Ireland in the process.
The final action of the game saw McKenna doggedly get in front of Jessica Silva to prevent her from adding to Portugal’s tally.
Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna (captain), Rebecca Holloway, Fi Morgan, Ellie Mason, Natalie Johnson, Casey Howe, Aimee Kerr, Kess Elmore, Keri Halliday, Emily Cassap.
Substitutes: (used) Lucy-Jayne Grant, Leyla McFarland, Abi Sweetlove, Naomi McLaughlin, Charlotte Havern; (unused) Maddy Harvey Clifford, Lauren Perry, Brenna McPartlan, Lauren Wade, Connie Scofield, Jane McMaster.
Portugal: Patricia Morais, Lucia Alves, Joana Marchao, Carole Costa, Carolina Correia, Andreia Jacinto, Fatima Pinto, Dolores Silva (captain), Carolina Santiago, Stephanie Ribeiro, Andreia Faria.
Substitutes: (used) Jessica Silva, Telma Encarnacao, Andreia Norton, Tatiana Pinto, Carolina Tristao; (unused) Ines Perreira (GK), Nair Pina (GK), Francisca Castro, Nelly Rodrigues, Alice Marques, Diana Gomes, Nadia Bravo.
Action from Portimao
