Kenny Shiels: Northern Ireland will not be defensive in play-off
Northern Ireland Women are expecting a Ukraine Women onslaught when the teams meet tonight in the second leg of their UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Play-Off.
Kenny Shiels’ side turned the apple cart upside down when they defeated the Ukrainians 2-1 in their own backyard on Friday.
That 2-1 win by the underdogs in Kovalivka was a major upset and the Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager and his players believe the visitors will want to put things right at Seaview (19.45 kick-off).
“Ukraine were unbeaten in six matches going in to Friday’s match, and they will be annoyed at that run coming to an end. We must be ready to repel any backlash,” said Shiels in his matchday programme notes for the encounter.
Russia celebrate qualifying in MoscowMikhail Shapaev/RFS
Russia reached their sixth final tournament out of the last seven as, just as in the 2009 play-offs against Scotland, they made the most of a first-leg away win. Both teams had chances, with home goalkeeper Elvira Todua making more than one key save to thwart Portugal s hopes of repeating their 2017 finals debut.
Switzerland celebrate their equaliserGetty Images
Switzerland denied Czech Republic a debut finals after the first-ever UEFA Women s EURO play-off penalty shoot-out. Early in the second half, Kateřina Svitková gave the away side the advantage when she struck from distance for her second goal of the tie. The Swiss then made two substitutions and, three minutes after coming on, Coumba Sow latched onto a Lia Wälti pass to equalise. There were no more goals and in a shoot-out that swung both ways, it was Svitková who hit the woodwork with the last Czech kick.
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