Norway Defeats Northern Ireland 4-0 in Play-Off

Northern Ireland faced a significant setback in their quest for Euro 2025 qualification, suffering a 4-0 defeat to Norway in the first leg of their play-off. Star player Caroline Graham Hansen led Norway with two goals, showcasing her exceptional skill and contributing to a dominant performance by the visitors. Captain Simone Magill, the sole survivor from Northern Ireland's last victory over Norway in 2011, expressed hope that the current squad could channel that historic underdog spirit. Despite being ranked 29 places lower than Norway and having lost their last six fixtures to them, Northern Ireland remains determined to fight for pride in the upcoming second leg. Defender Laura Rafferty emphasized their classic underdog status and the excitement of facing one of the world's best teams. The second leg in Oslo will be crucial for Northern Ireland as they look to defy expectations and secure a place in the finals.