Late own-goal gives Northern Ireland Women draw in Croatia

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She Kicks Magazine

·25 October 2024

Late own-goal gives Northern Ireland Women draw in Croatia

Photo: irishfa.com

Northern Ireland trailed for almost 90 minutes in Croatia but drew their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 1st qualifying round play-off away leg.

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Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns gave away a penalty after only three minutes, for a foul in the box. Izabela Lojna stepped up and hit the spot-kick into the top corner for a very early lead.

The Irish had a good chance to level with a free kick 18 minutes to go, however Rebecca Holloway’s effort was wide of the target.

Rachel Dugdale went off injured after a high boot caught her head when she attempted to nod the ball away.

With the game slipping away from the visitors, they forced a stoppage-time equaliser, with a Casey Howe cross leading to an own-goal by early scorer Lojna.

Northern Ireland welcome Croatia to Belfast for Tuesday’s second leg.