Northern Ireland face Portugal in World Cup play-off

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 23:13 · Archive

Northern Ireland will play Portugal in a Women's World Cup qualifying play-off.

Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle has acknowledged that a Women's World Cup round one play-off against Portugal is 'the most difficult tie' his side could have drawn. Despite the difficulty of the fixture, McArdle insists his team have the ability to compete as they pursue another step towards major tournament qualification.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that McArdle has admitted the World Cup now seems 'impossible', though he remains committed to his side giving their best effort in Portugal.

How it is being reported

• Michael McArdle admits World Cup now ‘impossible’ but vows Northern Ireland will ‘have a go’ in PortugalBelfast Telegraph · 9 Oct, 22:52
• Northern Ireland boss relishing 'most difficult tie' challenge amid World Cup dreamNorthern Ireland manager Michael McArdle concedes a Women’s World Cup round one play-off against Portugal is “the most difficult tie we could have got” – but insists his side have the ability to compete as they look to take another step towards major tournament qualification.News Letter · 8 Oct, 11:26

In this story: Michael McArdle · Northern Ireland · Portugal

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