Liverpool attacker Rachel Furness scored one goal and created another as Northern Ireland defeated Luxembourg 4-0 in their opening FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifying match in Larne last night.
The 33-year-old created the game’s opening goal for Marissa Callaghan before adding one of her own. Furness also missed a penalty kick for The Green and White Army in the second half.
Northern Ireland broke the deadlock after just 16 minutes through Callaghan who fired the ball home after teammate Furness had shown some swift initiative.
Furness soon added her name to the scoresheet when she headed home from a Kirsty McGuinness corner kick delivery.
The same player then saw a free-kick rattle the post but Emily Wilson was on hand to strike the loose ball into the net to claim her first international goal at senior level.
Northern Ireland were awarded a penalty kick seven minutes into the second half when Jessica Berscheid committed a hand ball in the box. Furness stepped up to take the spot kick but her effort came back off the post.
Kenny Shiels’ side rounded-off their victory with a fourth goal with Lauren Wade tapping the ball home after Kerry Beattie’s initial effort had been saved.
Northern Ireland continue their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifying campaign against Latvia at Windsor Park on Tuesday evening.
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