Skipper's delight as Northern Ireland defy heat to book Play-Off spot: ‘I'm super proud of this group'

Belfast Telegraph

4 days ago

With a Nations League promotion Play-Off place guaranteed thanks to a 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina it was not so much about what the team had achieved, but how they did it that gave captain Simone Magill the most satisfaction.
In the midst of 30 degree temperatures in Zenica, hence a water break during each half of the contest, Northern Ireland managed to keep cool heads to see the game through after Sofija Krajsumovic's 29th minute goal had cancelled out Magill's opener just six minutes earlier.
The fact that most of the noteworthy action took place before half time may be a reflection of how the conditions affected the game. Northern Ireland did have opportunities in the second half, but little that troubled the Bosnia goalkeeper while at the other end Jackie Burns was a virtual spectator bar a momentary scare in the opening minute of the second half.
The climate will be much different in October no matter whether it is a trip to Austria, Belgium, Denmark or Iceland in between Tanya Oxtoby's team and a place in League A for the World Cup qualifiers.
While the size of the task facing Northern Ireland can be measured by the fact that the latter three of those teams will be playing in this summer's European Championship Finals in Switzerland Magill and co. have at least shown whoever comes out of the hat in Friday's draw that they have the grit, the determination and the attitude to take into any contest, particularly when cast as the underdogs.
'We know what we came here to do,' said Magill.
'Ultimately we wanted to get all three points, but we knew that a draw was enough to get us exactly where we want to be.
'It's tough to come here in the heat. We've been here, done this before and especially off the back of what was a tough game against Poland to come here and put in a performance like that, see it out and get the result I'm super proud of the group.
'We're built on character and games like this just show exactly what we're made of and it takes the whole group to grind out a result and we showed that as well.
'It was all about the team today. Everybody put a shift in in this heat to grind out the result and ultimately that's what I'm was proud of."
Magill's 28th goal in a Northern Ireland shirt showed a coolness that belied the temperature. It showed what the team is capable of - Rebecca Holloway's break forward and through ball to Magill was every bit as good as the outside of the foot finish.
The captain had early forced a fine save from goalkeeper Almina Hodzic, who also denied Megan Bell when she was presented with a golden chance by Rebecca McKenna. Had either of those gone in then the later chances carved out by substitutes Emily Wilson and Keri Halliday might not have been so rushed by Magill.
In the end though Northern Ireland made their point and that was sufficient to improve on the last Nations League campaign, which ended in a nervy relegation Play-off against Montenegro after coming third in the group.
'I'm always delighted to get on the score sheet and help out in any way I can," said Magill.
"The striker in me is probably disappointed I didn't get more, but ultimately we got the goal that helped get us the result we needed and we have to take that as positive.'