\n<\/p>\n
Lauren Wade scored a superb extra-time winner as Northern Ireland defeated Croatia 2-1 on aggregate in the opening play-off round.<\/p>\n
After a 1-1 draw in Croatia and a frustrating 90 minutes in Belfast, the Hearts winger stepped up to score from distance and set up the tie with Norway.<\/p>\n
Prior to that, Oxtoby’s side secured a play-off by finishing second in their group in Euro 2025 qualifying. <\/p>\n
Their campaign started with a draw at home to Malta before a first victory in Bosnia-Herzegovina.<\/p>\n
Two defeats by eventual group winners Portugal followed, but NI ended their campaign on a high with a win in Malta and victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in their final qualifier.<\/p>\n
Before qualifying started, Norway would have been tipped to qualify for the Euros automatically but Gemma Grainger’s side have had to fight their way through the play-offs.<\/p>\n
They finished third in Group A1 behind Italy and the Netherlands. Their campaign started with a 4-0 win over Finland before a 1-0 defeat away to the Dutch.<\/p>\n
Norway finished their campaign with four draws – twice against Italy, away to Finland and at home to the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
Rather dauntingly, Norway defeated Albania 14-0 on aggregate in their first-round play-off to put away any fears that they had lost their ruthless edge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n