NI World Cup hopes gone from 'improbable to impossible'

What the report says

Northern Ireland’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup are all but over after a 4-0 first-leg defeat by Portugal at Inver Park, according to manager Michael McArdle. BBC Sport reported that McArdle described the tie as moving from “improbable to impossible” after his side were outplayed in the opening leg of the play-off semi-final.

Portugal were 3-0 ahead by half-time through a Telma Encarnacao penalty, a Jessica Silva goal and a Rebecca Holloway own goal. Catarina Amado was then sent off for the visitors in the second half, but Northern Ireland could not turn the match around, and Fatima Pinto later added a fourth. Cora Chambers was also dismissed in added time for Northern Ireland, leaving them short-handed going into the return leg in Portimao on Tuesday.

McArdle, who became Northern Ireland manager in March, said the result was painful but still offered some positives, particularly for younger players. He handed a debut to defender Jane McMaster and brought on first caps for Kess Elmore and 16-year-old Charlotte Havern. The BBC report said he views that experience as important for the team’s longer-term development.

Northern Ireland now face a major task to overturn the deficit, while the likely play-off final opponent is Iceland, who also won their first leg by 4-0 in Croatia.