'Nothing impossible' as NI begin long road to Brazil

Northern Ireland kick off their World Cup play-off campaign with a two-legged tie against Portugal, with the hope of securing a spot at next year's tournament in Brazil. The challenging task lies ahead for Michael McArdle's side, who have been affected by injuries and have five new players. Despite the odds, there is a sense of confidence within the group, as they prepare to face an arduous journey.

Natalie Johnson, a Norwich City defender, emphasizes the importance of this opportunity, stating that dreaming of playing in Brazil is a motivation in itself. The team is aware of the high caliber of the Portuguese side, who have defeated Northern Ireland twice in Euro 2025 qualifying, but they are focused on playing their best football.

McArdle's team acknowledges the gap between them and Portugal, but they are determined to give the match their all, drawing inspiration from the men's senior team's recent performance against Georgia. Johnson believes that the younger players will look up to the seniors and adopt their fearless attitude on the pitch.