Northern Ireland v Norway: Underdogs must channel 2011 spirit to make new memories – Magill
Since that victory in 2011, Norway have won the last six games between the sides by comfortable margins – the most recent of which was a 4-1 victory at Euro 2022.
But this young team doesn’t suffer any scars from these games. Only 11 of the 23 players for Euro 2022 are in Oxtoby’s group for this play-off tournament.
In fact, only seven of those 11 players featured in the opening match against Norway, Northern Ireland’s first appearance at a major tournament.
Friday’s first leg is undoubtedly the most important game of the careers of some of the young players on the team, but you wouldn’t know it from watching training before the game.
There were smiles and laughter as Northern Ireland warmed up in chilly conditions at Larne, with Magill adding the team were “really excited to get out there”.
“Our message is to control what we can control. That’s how we apply it in the game.
“We’ve been disadvantaged our whole lives, so it’s something we’re used to. We have absolutely nothing to lose and nothing to gain.”
“As long as we come into this game and come together as a team and put our heart and soul into it in the best way possible, it gives us a really good opportunity to go after it.”
While Northern Ireland struggled to kill off Croatia in normal time, with Lauren Wade scoring a superb winner in extra time, Magill admits Friday’s hosts will have to fight The Norwegian team found a ruthless edge in the game.
Norway had four draws in Euro 2025 qualifying but beat Albania 14-0 on aggregate to reach the final round of the play-offs.
