Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby says her side are “still in the tie” despite losing 2-0 to Iceland in the home leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off.
It was a dominant display from Thorsteinn Halldorsson’s side, who went ahead on 31 minutes when Glodis Viggosdottir nodded Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir’s free-kick past Jackie Burns.
Despite Northern Ireland defending resolutely during open play, they continued to struggle with set-pieces in the second half with Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir heading home a corner in the 75th minute.
“We don’t celebrate defeat, but the performance was exceptional,” said Oxtoby.
“We have to celebrate that. I think the way in which the players executed the gameplan, we haven’t conceded from open play.
“The first one [goal] is frustrating because I think it’s really preventable from our point of view, but we’ll learn from that.
“It’s 2-0, we’re still in the tie. There are improvements to be made, but, overall, I’m really proud of the group.”
