Northern Ireland defender Rachel Dugdale says there is “no pressure” on the losers in the second leg of the Euro 2025 play-off in Norway.
Norway lived up to their favorite tag with a resounding 4-0 victory at Inver Park and will look to finish the job in Oslo on Tuesday.
Dugdale admits Friday’s game was “difficult” but Tanya Oxtoby’s youth team will learn from the experience.
“It’s a free kick because there’s no pressure, so let’s go for it,” the Blackburn Rovers defender said.
“It’s another opportunity to learn. We want to play against these big hitters. It’s another test to challenge ourselves.
“If we want to play in the European Championship, we have to start beating teams like this, so it’s another chance to see how we do against them.”
Caroline Graham Hansen scored twice in the first half, while Tuva Hansen also scored before the break.
Northern Ireland improved in the second half, but Guro Bergsvand added the fourth.
Dugdale added that Oxtoby’s halftime team talk helped the players calm down.
“You’re not sure what to expect at half-time when you know you haven’t been good enough.
“It can go either way, but it was great that the coaches stayed level-headed. It helped us put in a better performance in the second half because it was tactical and informative, rather than emotional.
“You always want to play against the best and see how you do. It was a great challenge and a great experience.”
