NI World Cup hopes gone from 'improbable to impossible'

Northern Ireland's hopes of progressing in their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final have gone from improbable to impossible following a 4-0 defeat to Portugal. The hosts entered the first-leg tie as underdogs, and the scoreline was sore for the visitors. McArdle, the Northern Ireland manager, acknowledged there were positives in the defeat but felt the four-goal deficit was now insurmountable.

Northern Ireland were down 3-0 at the break, with goals from Telma Encarnacao, Jessica Silva, and Rebecca Holloway. Despite Catarina Amado's red card, Portugal maintained a commanding four-goal advantage, thanks to Fatima Pinto's goal and Cora Chambers' dismissal. McArdle praised the debut of defender Jane McMaster and the caps awarded to Kess Elmore and Charlotte Havern, emphasizing the importance of giving young players exposure for the long-term.

The team will face a travel-heavy schedule to Portugal, but will regroup for the second leg and continue their quest to qualify for the tournament.