Tuesday 03 Dec 2024

Northern Ireland to be ‘brave’ in second leg of play-off

Northern Ireland are being urged to be “brave” in the second instalment of their two-legged UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 play-off final with Norway.

The Norwegians are being tipped to sweep Tanya Oxtoby’s team aside on their way to next summer’s Euros in Switzerland when the teams meet at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo later today (5pm kick-off GMT).

But both Northern Ireland senior women’s team boss Tanya Oxtoby and experienced defender Laura Rafferty see things differently. They are keen to take the game to Norway in their own backyard and see where that takes the team.

Norway are, of course, 4-0 up from the first leg. A first half double from captain and player of the match Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona) and goals from Tuva Hansen (Bayern Munich) and Guro Bergsvand (Brighton and Hove Albion) saw them establish a strong foothold in the tie ahead of the second game.

“We want to be brave and we want to be front-footed,” said Oxtoby.

The Northern Ireland boss is looking for “a 90-minute performance” from her players both with and without the ball and for them to be calmer in possession.

Oxtoby pointed out the squad have taken a lot of learnings from Friday’s first leg at Larne’s Inver Park.

She said today’s game was another opportunity for her players to challenge themselves against a world class team and to “see where we are at” in terms of ongoing team development and growth.

Northern Ireland were 3-0 down after 26 minutes in Larne. They enjoyed a lot more possession after the break and were more competitive. And it’s that side of the team that the manager wants to see in the second leg.

The Northern Ireland defence and midfield worked tirelessly throughout the game at Inver Park, closing players down and blocking shots, but the Norwegians stroked the ball around impressively and were ruthlessly efficient.

Laura Rafferty told the BBC prior to training in Oslo yesterday: "We want to give a good account of ourselves. We want to be competing against the top teams and we don't want there to be that difference that people are used to seeing.

"The more aggressive and brave we are, the better. Having nothing to fear, that will be a positive stance for us.

"It is a test but something we are looking forward to. A lot of Friday was preventable but hopefully with the tweaks we make we can be more aggressive in the way we approach the game."

Rafferty knows concentration will be key if the massive underdogs are to leave Oslo tonight with a positive result and performance.

She pointed out: "When you're playing against world class teams one slip of concentration is all it takes, so for us it is about being there for each other through every battle.

"It is incredible to play against these Norway players. We have earned the right to be here and to really challenge ourselves and the belief and mindset are everything."

Oxtoby was hoping Nottingham Forest Women striker Casey Howe would be fit for the second leg, however she has not recovered from the foot injury which kept her out of the first game.

All other members of the squad trained at the Ullevaal Stadion last night.