NI Didn't Get 'Professional Courtesy' in Croatia - Oxtoby

Northern Ireland's head coach, Tanya Oxtoby, commended her players for their resilience in response to a lack of "professional courtesy" during their Euro 2025 qualifying first leg, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Varazdin. The match featured a late own goal from Croatia’s Izabela Lojna, who had initially put the hosts ahead by converting a penalty kick.

Oxtoby's side faced difficulties on a bumpy pitch at the Gradski Stadion Varteks and expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions they encountered in Croatia. “I’m really proud of the playing group because I think this week has been really difficult in terms of getting professional courtesy,” she told BBC Sport NI. Oxtoby looked forward to the second leg at Windsor Park, where she believed her team could assert themselves more effectively.

The match began poorly for Northern Ireland, as they conceded a penalty just three minutes in when goalkeeper Jackie Burns fouled Ivana Rudelic. Lojna converted the penalty, putting Croatia ahead. However, Oxtoby was encouraged by her team's response, noting that Simone Magill came close to leveling the score by hitting the crossbar shortly after the opener. “The advantage was that it was three minutes in, so we had the whole half and we hadn’t even really got started,” she remarked, adding that her players dominated the first half and deserved the equalizer they ultimately earned.

Reflecting on the away draw, Oxtoby expressed relief but emphasized her players’ determination. “You can’t ask for much more, and we go back home in a good position.” She also highlighted the performance of Cliftonville’s Danielle Maxwell, who was a constant threat throughout the match. “She was exceptional, driving at players and causing all sorts of problems. Her all-round game was really impressive tonight, and hopefully she can take that into Tuesday,” Oxtoby added.

As they prepare for the decisive second leg in Belfast, Oxtoby stressed the importance of clinical finishing, acknowledging that Croatia is a tough opponent that doesn't concede many goals. “We’re getting into the right positions, which is pleasing, but we need to be clinical, as a team like this doesn’t give you many goals,” she said. She noted that her team has shown progress, reaching areas on the pitch that they struggled to penetrate nine months ago.

Oxtoby also called on fans to play a crucial role in creating a lively atmosphere at Windsor Park. “We’re really looking forward to getting back home and we want to put in a positive performance for our fans. We will need them to make it as uncomfortable as possible for Croatia.”