2 days ago
Northern Ireland know path to top flight after discovering Nations League Play-Off opponents
After finishing second in their group thanks to their final round draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland know only a two-legged tie stands between them and a place in League A.
However, they have been handed a tough draw against Iceland, who are ranked 13th in the world and have qualified for the last four European Championships, with the upcoming Euro 2025 their fifth consecutive appearance.
Boasting players such as West Ham's Dagný Brynjarsdóttir, Madrid's Hildur Antonsdóttir and Leicester City's Hlín Eiríksdóttir, Iceland will be formidable opponents for Northern Ireland.
Oxtoby will be cursing her luck as they could have been drawn against Austria (18th) or Belgium (20th), who will face the Republic of Ireland, although they did avoid the best nation in the draw in 12th-ranked Denmark.
However, there will be a glimmer of hope in that Þorsteinn Halldórsson's side haven't won a match since July 16, losing five of their last ten outings and drawing the remainder.
Northern Ireland finished second in League B1 behind unbeaten Poland as home wins over Bosnia and Romania, coupled with a pair of 1-1 draws away against the same opponents, saw them secure a Play-Off spot.
The two Play-Off games will both be played in October, with the exact dates and venues to be confirmed at a later date.
