Liverpool forward Rachel Furness held her nerve to score a second half penalty as Northern Ireland defeated Belarus 3-2 in Belfast this evening in their latest UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifier.
It was a ‘must win’ game for the hosts who now move to within one win of securing a play-off place with this evening’s three points.
Kenny Shiels’ side got off to the best possible start at Seaview when Kirsty McGuinness lobbed in the opener inside two minutes. To their credit, Belarus played their part in the contest and they levelled matters 14 minutes later through Anastasiya Schcherbachenya.
Northern Ireland regained the lead 16 minutes into the second half from the penalty spot after Julie Nelson was fouled in the area. Liverpool forward Furness stepped up to take the spot kick and she kept her cool, sending the keeper the wrong way and slotting the ball low into the bottom corner.
Shiels’ side needed one goal to leave them on the verge of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 play-offs and they got it three minutes later when McGuinness’ shot across goal hit the far post before bouncing over the line via the unfortunate visiting keeper Nataliya Voskobovich.
Northern Ireland will now qualify for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 play-offs should they defeat group minnows the Faroe Islands in Belfast on Tuesday evening.
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