Portugal came from behind to defeat Northern Ireland 2-1 in an entertaining Euro 2025 qualifier at Mourneview Park.
Lauren Wade gave Northern Ireland an early lead, but Portugal responded with goals from Francisca Nazareth and Andreia Norton, securing their fourth consecutive win in the qualifiers.
Tanya Oxtoby’s side showed significant improvement from their 4-0 loss to Portugal on Friday night in Leiria, but defensive errors once again proved costly.
Northern Ireland now sit third in Group B3, two points behind Bosnia-Herzegovina, whom they will face in the next international window.
Bright start from Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland made three changes from their 4-0 defeat by Portugal on Friday night. Brenna McPartlan made her first start, joining Joely Andrews in midfield, while Caragh Hamilton came in at right wing-back as Oxtoby sought more energy from her side.
After a sluggish start in Leiria, Northern Ireland were much more positive in the opening stages at Mourneview Park, hosting its first international game in seven years.
They took the lead just five minutes in when Keri Halliday played Simone Magill into the right-hand side of the box. Magill’s low cross found Lauren Wade, who tucked it home from close range.
This was the first goal Portugal had conceded in the qualifiers, which seemed to spark them into life. The dangerous Lucia Alves, who scored twice in the 4-0 win, soon flashed a curling effort wide from the edge of the area.
However, just like on Friday night, Northern Ireland were punished for switching off, as Portugal equalized after 18 minutes. Alves, with time and space on the left, delivered a pinpoint cross to the onrushing Francisca Nazareth, whose deft header beat Jackie Burns.
Francisco Neto’s side began to control the game, pressing for a second goal. Burns managed to tip a looping strike from Nazareth over the crossbar.
Portugal took the lead in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on another Northern Ireland mistake. Norton dispossessed Joely Andrews, evaded a challenge from Rebecca McKenna, and smashed home from a tight angle.
Telma Encarnacao nearly extended the lead with an audacious overhead kick that landed just over the crossbar, as the game continued at a frantic pace until the break.
Lacklustre second half
Oxtoby brought on Casey Howe for McPartlan at half-time as Northern Ireland sought a way back into the game.
Following an action-packed first half, the second period began more quietly, with Northern Ireland maintaining a disciplined defensive shape.
Encarnacao’s speculative effort was easily handled by Burns, who also thwarted substitute Jessica Silva after she burst into the box and fired goalward.
Northern Ireland struggled to press as high as they did in the first half and failed to test Ines Pereira, allowing Portugal to hold on for the win.
They will now look to their July double-header away to Malta and at home against Bosnia-Herzegovina to get back to winning ways.
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