[ad_1]
Anastasia Linnik and Rachel Furness in action during the first half at Seaview
Northern Ireland beat Belarus 3-2 in a five-goal thriller to get closer to securing a spot in the 2022 Women’s Eurocup play-offs.
Kirsty McGuinness’ clinical second-minute strike with his left foot put NI ahead, but Anastasiya Shcherbachenia leveled after defensive confusion in the 16 minute.
Rachel Furness scored a penalty on the hour, Shcherbachenia tied again but McGuinness second with 70 won the game.
NI will be in a play-off if they win at home to the Faroe Islands on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland women’s team had never before participated in a major championship or been in a play-off to reach one.
Having drawn two and lost two of their first four games this campaign, qualification for the 2022 Women’s EURO final seemed unlikely, but road victories against the Faroe Islands and Belarus in recent months left Kenny by the side. Shiels with his fate in his own hands as he approached this double title in Belfast.
Norway leads Group C with maximum points, but NI can clinch second place, which would secure a play-off berth if they can beat the Faroe Islands at Seaview next week.
- NI keeps euro dream alive by beating Belarus, as it happened
NOT to a flight start
The hosts started the game brilliantly and opened the scoring with a brilliant first shot from forward Sion Swifts McGuinness, who shot home after Emily Wilson’s initial effort had been saved.
Northern Ireland came close to extending their lead when Furness shot towards the goal and visiting goalkeeper Nataliya Voskobovich spilled the ball, but after consulting with one of her assistants, the referee judged that the ball had not crossed the line.
Belarus returned to the game soon after, when local goalkeeper Rebecca Flaherty ran unnecessarily off her line as captain Shcherbachenia grabbed onto a long ball and fired a low shot under the advancing NI goalkeeper.
Demi Vance then won the ball, made a strong run from the middle and unleashed a long-range effort that was well saved by Voskobovich.
The Belarusian goalkeeper then overcame Wilson’s effort from an acute angle down the right and the wings were even at half-time.
Second half drama
Shortly after the restart, the lively Liverpool midfielder Furness saw his cross shot parried by the goalkeeper and Lauren Wade couldn’t find the ball at the far post.
The home team’s advantage was regained when Julie Nelson appeared to be tucked inside the box and Furness calmly calmed the resulting penalty shot.
However, Belarus made their way back into the game in the 67th minute, when Shcherbachenia ran to a pass from Anna Pilipenko and took a shot into the net.
The parity only lasted three minutes when McGuinness’s left foot shot slammed into the post and bounced off the keeper’s head into the net.
A touch of fortune for Northern Ireland, but one they deserved for their superiority.
Source: bbc.com
[ad_2]
