Northern Ireland: Michael O’Neill’s team exposed to “above” level at the loss of Sweden

The progression journey of Northern Ireland was a story of young people without fear and, largely, there was a lot for the green and white army of which to cheer.

With a starting team with an average age of 22.6 – the youngest younger one younger lined up from Northern Ireland since 1946 – it was another bright beginning before things will come rapidly in seven minutes.

Did ISAK, perhaps the most fit of world football, the defense of the NI was captured to look at the ball and this allowed the Emil Holm not marked to shoot the open at home.

The first choice defenders Conor Bradley and Trai Hume on the right side are missing, Sweden cut the Terry Devlin couple, making its first start, and Ruairi McConville, on its third cap, and this led to Pierce Charles, with only six hats, to push the ball into the Benjamin Nygren route.

Ken Sema added a third, while Isak made a superb fourth at home and Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest added a fifth.

The damage was done before Isaac Price marked his eighth international goal with a deflection while the clock moved in the injury time.

“I thought that the 2-0 was probably a little tough with us in half time, and then the third goal is a scarce goal for us to lose a set of a set,” said O’Neill, while underlining “you will always learn in international football”.

“In all honesty, the team’s attitude was fantastic. They never stopped trying playing. It was a difficult night, but that’s why we played a game like this.

“We are asking many young players who do not play every week for their clubs. They are not exposed to this level and this quality of the player.

“Sweden has some best players, especially in the upper part of the field. It is a point of reference, for our players all these games are a step forward.”