Northern Eire’s hopes of reaching Euro 2025 have been all however dashed after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Norway within the first leg of their play-off in Larne.
Barcelona ahead Caroline Graham Hansen’s first-half double at Inver Park sandwiched Tuva Hansen’s strike and Guro Bergsvand left Tanya Oxtoby’s aspect a mountain to climb by including a fourth within the second interval.
Northern Eire, who beat Croatia 2-1 on combination within the opening play-off spherical because of Lauren Wade’s extra-time second-leg winner, conceded twice within the opening 14 minutes and trailed 3-0 at half-time.
Graham Hansen opened the scoring within the sixth minute, changing on the far put up after Northern Eire had didn’t clear Emilie Woldvik’s cross.
Graham Hansen fired house the second with a low shot into the underside nook after latching on to Nat Johnson’s tried headed clearance.
Norway, sixteenth within the FIFA rankings, 29 locations above Northern Eire, prolonged their lead within the 67th minute.
Northern Eire goalkeeper Jackie Burns dropped a nook and following a scramble within the field, Brighton defender Bergsvand turned the ball house.
Gemma Grainger’s aspect, who beat Albania 14-0 on combination of their first-round play-off, will look to complete the job within the return leg in Oslo on Tuesday.
