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Northern Ireland recovered superbly from an early setback to beat the Faroe Islands 5-1 and keep their history-making Euro 2022 dream alive.
The win secured the play-off that gives Northern Ireland chance to qualify for a first major women’s tournament.
Rachel Furness scored twice with Chloe McCarron and the McGuinness sisters Kirsty and Caitlin also on target.
Jensa Kannuberg Torolvsdottir put the visitors ahead but Furness quickly levelled as the home side took control.
It was a fourth consecutive qualifying victory for Kenny Shiels’ confident side, who can now look forward to a two-legged play-off next spring for a place in the 2022 finals in England.
The fact there were no supporters in the north Belfast stadium did not stop fantastic scenes of celebration on the pitch at the final whistle between the Northern Ireland players, coaching staff and officials.
Having picked up two points from their opening four games ahead of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, Northern Ireland knew they had to win all four remaining matches to have a chance of reaching the play-offs – and they did just that.
It means a country that has never been close to reaching a major tournament before could be just two matches from creating history and giving the women’s game in Northern Ireland the biggest lift it has ever had.
McGuinness and Furness lead recovery
Northern Ireland went into the match as strong favourites but they were stunned by a fourth minute opener from the inexperienced visitors, with Kara Djurhuus’s shot deflecting off Julie Nelson and into the path of Torolvsdottir, who swept home from close range.
Northern Ireland were level within two minutes. McGuinness played a short corner to McCarron whose cross found Rachel Furness, with the Liverpool striker finding the net with a header that looked like it may have deflected off team-mate Ashley Hutton.
The home side’s second goal was a beautiful strike from Kirsty McGuinness. A good run and pass by Wade set the Sion Swifts winger up and, after threatening to shoot with her left, she cut inside and found the far corner of the net with a curling right-foot effort.
Northern Ireland’s third 11 minutes after the break was even better, impressive midfielder McCarron picking up the ball and unleashing a dipping shot from 25 yards that gave the visiting goalkeeper no chance.
There was further history made with the fourth on 77 minutes when 19-year-old substitute Caitlin McGuinness finished well to mark the first time she and prolific older sister Kirsty had been on the pitch together for Northern Ireland.
Furness, a constant threat throughout, claimed her second three minutes from time thanks to a major deflection off defender Brita Ryan which diverted her back-post effort in.
More to follow.
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