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Saturday, June 13, 2026

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Cassap debut goal not quite enough

Northern Ireland 1 (Cassap 85) Switzerland 2 (Reuteler 29, Vallotto 41)

Northern Ireland fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Switzerland in their final FIFA Women’s World Cup European qualifier at Mourneview Park.

The Group B2 winners demonstrated their quality, particularly in the first half, but the hosts showed tremendous grit and determination throughout the contest. Debutant Emily Cassap scored a magnificent goal in the 85th minute in front of just over 1,000 fans to give Northern Ireland hope, but Switzerland held on for the victory.

Danielle Maxwell tested Swiss goalkeeper Elvira Herzog with a shot inside the first minute, while Rebecca Holloway produced some important early covering tackles as the visitors pressed.

Switzerland created several openings, with Leila Wandeler curling an effort wide and Noelle Maritz missing the target twice in quick succession. Maxwell was denied again by Herzog after being played through by Keri Halliday at the other end.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Wandeler held off her marker and laid the ball back to Geraldine Reuteler, who drove a low shot past Jackie Burns and into the net via the post.

Switzerland doubled their advantage on 40 minutes as Reuteler jinked past a defender and delivered a low cross that Smila Vallotto swept home.

Northern Ireland enjoyed more possession after the interval but struggled to break down a well organised Swiss defence. Rebecca Holloway made a crucial block to deny Seraina Piubel, and substitute Cora Chambers saw a dangerous run halted.

Aimee Kerr’s corner caused problems, with the ball eventually falling to substitute Natalie Johnson, who scooped her shot wide.

Cassap entered the fray on 84 minutes for her senior debut and made an immediate impact. One minute later, fellow substitute Mia Moore won the ball on the right and fed the 19-year-old midfielder, who rolled away from her marker and curled a superb 25-yard strike into the bottom corner.

Despite a late effort from Fi Morgan, Northern Ireland could not find an equaliser. The result confirmed Switzerland’s position at the top of Group B2 whilst Northern Ireland finished in third and will now enter the two-round play-off series in October and November/December for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Ellie Mason, Rebecca Holloway, Fi Morgan, Brenna McPartlan, Danielle Maxwell (sub Mia Moore 84mins), Joely Andrews (sub Natalie Johnson 58mins), Lauren Wade (sub Casey Howe 45mins), Keri Halliday (sub Cora Chambers 67mins), Aimee Kerr (sub Emily Cassap 84mins). Subs not used: Lauren Perry, Maddy Harvey-Clifford, Abi Sweetlove, Megan Bell, Leyla McFarland, Nadene Caldwell, Kelsie Burrows.

Switzerland: Elvira Herzog, Julia Stierli, Noelle Maritz, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic (sub Nadine Riesen 45mins), Viola Calligaris, Geraldine Reuteler, Leila Wandeler (sub Lydia Andrade 83mins), Lia Wälti (sub Amina Muratovic 90mins), Seraina Piubel (sub Coumba Sow 83mins), Lia Kamber, Smila Vallotto (sub Alayah Pilgrim 67mins). Subs not used: Livia Peng, Lourdes Romero, Noemi Ivelj, Ella Touon.