Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle has described his side’s play-off defeat by Portugal as “the start of a new identity” despite a heavy 7-1 aggregate loss. Portugal built a four-goal advantage in the first leg at Inver Park, and then completed a 3-1 win in Portimao in the second leg.
Kess Elmore gave Northern Ireland the lead in the second leg, but the home side fought back to win on the night. The result means Northern Ireland have now lost their past four games.
McArdle said he was “really proud” of the brave style of play but acknowledged that his team must be patient moving forward. He said it had been a great camp for new players to come in, and praised the profile, energy, effort and condition of the players to compete at that level. He added that he was “really encouraged” personally and had told the group it was the start of a new move forward and a new identity.
Elmore, one of four debutants used by McArdle during the Portugal double header, scored Northern Ireland’s only goal of the tie. She became the second player to score on her debut under McArdle after Emily Cassap netted in a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland in June. McArdle said he was delighted for Elmore and that she would add so much to the group, while also praising the impact of the other debutants.
Northern Ireland were without key players including captain Simone Magill and the experienced Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell and Caragh Hamilton. McArdle still felt the side had set “a real enthusiastic marker” during the tie. He said there had been moments that went against them and moments of misfortune, and that they were playing a risky style of football. He said they were on the front foot from the first whistle and he could not be prouder of the players, describing it as getting closer to the identity he wants. McArdle added that he wants more energy, mobility and versatility, and that he was proud but frustrated with the scoreline.
Northern Ireland will now turn to preparations for the Nations League next year. They will compete in League B after finishing second in their group in 2025 before being beaten comfortably by Iceland in the promotion/relegation play-off. Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan said: “Against opposition like Portugal, I thought they were assured tonight in terms of their performance.” She said it felt like something very special was going to come up, and that McArdle would be getting ready to start the Nations League campaign his way with his players and style. “It is exciting times,” she said.