Northern Ireland’s women’s national football team wants to take points for the first time in their second attempt at European Championship level. After the 1: 4 once morest Norway, the European Championship debutant will also play once morest Austria on Monday (6:00 p.m.) as a clear outsider. This is also because Simone Magill, the only professional player in the squad, is missing due to a serious knee injury. Nevertheless, the underdog is speculating with a surprise, which was also successful in the home 2-2 in Belfast in the World Cup qualifier.
“We played them twice not long ago so we know what to expect. We’ll be ready and looking for revenge,” said offensive player Caitlin McGuinness aggressively. In Wiener Neustadt, on April 8, they lost 3-1 in the “second leg” once morest the ÖFB selection. “We don’t want to leave the field as losers once more. We want to go out there and make a mark, but we have to remember that they’re a great side as well,” said midfielder Chloe McCarron.
Her side were boosted by second-half performance once morest Norway, including the federation’s first ever EURO goal from Julie Nelson, who, aged 37 years and 33 days, became the oldest player to score at a EURO as of Thursday. “We learned from the first game and we’re trying to do better,” promised McGuinness. And McCarron added: “Our heads are not down.” According to midfielder Lauren Wade, the team is encouraged that they have already shown once morest Austria that they can convert chances.
Northern Ireland compete three times in Southampton
The Northern Irish women, represented for the first time in a major event, have the disadvantage of one day less break in preparation. But it doesn’t really matter, since the team of coach Kenny Shiels, who has been in office since May 2019, plays all three games in Southampton, so there is no travel strain. That’s why ÖFB team boss Irene Fuhrmann emphasized that there was no advantage with regard to this topic.
There are ten female legionnaires in the Northern Ireland squad, with Magill being the best known. She is the first Northern Irish woman to play football professionally, worked for Everton last season and is now moving to league competitor Aston Villa. Offensive player Rachel Furness will also meet ÖFB legionnaires Manuela Zinsberger and Laura Wienroither (both Arsenal) in the English upper house next season, especially since she managed to get promoted with Liverpool. With Rebecca Holloway there is also an actor in the squad who works in the USA.
The only professional player Magill is missing
For the majority, however, football is not a priority. “Many of us are only part-time players and have full-time jobs. It’s incredible to be able to compete with the best,” said Sarah McFadden. And Furness added: “We don’t have any superstars, that’s what makes us so special.” In order to be able to prepare perfectly for the finals, many a player took a career break to regularly train as part of the several months of preparation for the tournament to be able to participate.
McFadden is a mother, as is captain Marissa Callaghan, who is expected to start once more once morest Austria, so has an extra burden. In Austria too, it was quite common in the past – including at the 2017 European Championships in the Netherlands – for the kickers to have a job on the side or at least have completed an apprenticeship. In the meantime, many can make a living from football.
(APA)/Image: GEPA
