Grainger: Northern Ireland Poses Heightened Threat in Second Leg

Norway’s manager, Gemma Grainger, who has overseen only one defeat in her twelve matches, suggests that Northern Ireland might be “more dangerous than ever” during the upcoming second leg of their Euro 2025 play-off, citing their position of having “nothing to lose”. Grainger’s team effectively extinguished Northern Ireland’s aspirations for consecutive European Championship appearances by securing a decisive 4-0 victory in the initial leg held at Inver Park last Friday. Nevertheless, the former Wales manager anticipates that Tanya Oxtoby’s squad now presents a distinct challenge, as they are expected to approach the match as a singular contest. “When you have nothing to lose you have the full freedom, so I think the underdog mentality is even stronger this time,” she told BBC Sport NI.”What do they have to lose? I expect them to be strong and we are the higher-ranked team, so the pressure is on us to perform.” Norway delivered a precise performance against Northern Ireland, nearly securing their qualification for next year’s Euros. Grainger expressed admiration for Northern Ireland’s tenacious second-half showing in Larne, during which they restricted Norway to a single goal. “I know the spirit, the hard work and their ‘never giving up’ attitude. I wasn’t surprised by it and I hugely respect it,” she continued.”They had that defensive discipline [in the second half] and that fight to work for each other.” The 42-year-old coach is also urging her squad to maintain their intensity, aiming to convey a clear message to other teams already qualified for the Euros that Norway intends to be a strong contender in Switzerland next year. Since Grainger assumed leadership in January, Norway has suffered only one defeat in twelve matches. “We want to be better. In these 12 games the team have taken some real steps so I’m proud of them, but I want to be in a position where we can set some strong goals for 2025.” Norway forward Ada Hegerberg is one goal shy of reaching fifty goals for her national team. Ada Hegerberg, a forward for Norway, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to conclude what has been a successful year with a strong performance in the second leg, scheduled to take place at the 28,000-capacity Ullevaal Stadium. “It’s nice to be back home again, we’re not here very often, so to play with the crowd is a very nice feeling,” she said.”We have an opportunity to seal our ticket to the Euros so we will take that very seriously. We don’t want to stop after the first game.”I know 4-0 is a strong result but our minds have shifted to it being 0-0 again because we really want to achieve a good result.” The recipient of a previous Ballon d’Or award acknowledged her satisfaction at returning to play on a grass pitch, which she noted is more spacious than the smaller, artificial surface at Inver Park. “I appreciate a good grass pitch. For all players involved that is a win, we want to play on good pitches and in good stadiums and that should be the case for everyone at this level,” she added. Hegerberg, who has accumulated 49 international goals, began Friday night’s match as a substitute and recognized the intense competition for spots within the team. “You need a strong base of players but also some knocking on the door who want a place in the squad, and I feel like we’re heading towards that,” she explained.”I think and I hope we’re onto something good.” Sandi Toksvig is joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi and Alan DaviesGrab the mic for Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry and more… Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are back for the festivities at Longleat Safari ParkFrom micro plastics in our air, soil, and waterways, to the extent of food waste at this time of year © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.