Northern Ireland Coach Oxtoby Praises Team’s Resilience Despite Norway Defeat

Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby expressed satisfaction that her team “did not crumble” during their 4-0 loss to Norway in the initial leg of the Euro 2025 play-off held at Inver Park. Norway, showcasing a formidable lineup, delivered a dominant first-half performance, with Tuva Hansen scoring twice and Caroline Graham Hansen adding a brace. However, Northern Ireland displayed significant improvement in the second half, conceding only one goal, which pleased Oxtoby, who commended the character demonstrated by her youthful squad. “I’m proud of the players, you know at 3-0 down in the first half we could have crumbled, and we spoke a lot in the week of resilience and making sure we stayed in the tie,” she informed BBC Sport NI. “We made some tweaks at half-time and the positivity in the changing room and togetherness was exceptional.” Following a passive first-half showing, Northern Ireland adjusted their formation at the break. Chloe McCarron was brought on for Danielle Maxwell for the second half, contributing increased strength and assertiveness to a midfield that had been overwhelmed in the opening 45 minutes, struggling to contain the skillful Graham Hansen. “I thought second half we came out more aggressive and on the front foot and we had more of the ball,” Oxtoby further stated. “We changed the shape a bit to be better on the ball, Maxi coming off, it wasn’t because she had done anything wrong, we wanted to change shape and get more pressure on the ball. “I thought the players were excellent with their tactical flexibility and closing down the spaces Norway were trying to exploit.” Oxtoby acknowledged that the goals conceded by Northern Ireland were disappointing but believed the match would serve as a valuable learning experience for her players. “They’re a great team, they will cause you problems, so we just need to learn and grow from that,” she added. “I thought to go in at half-time in the position we were given how we started, it allowed us to be positive in the second half.” With their prospects of qualifying for a second consecutive Euros nearly extinguished, Oxtoby’s attention is now directed towards enhancing her side’s performance in the upcoming second leg in Oslo. “It is a really good challenge on a big pitch against a great team,” she remarked. “It’s the same approach that we had to this game, it is about us and the bigger picture we need to continue to grow and learn quickly against a good side.” She concluded, “It is about our performance on Tuesday night we have standards to uphold, there will be no taking our foot off the gas.”