Oxtoby's Rallying Call: Northern Ireland Prepares for Decisive Euro 2025 Qualifier

Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby is rallying her team ahead of their crucial Euro 2025 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina, set to take place at Windsor Park on Tuesday night. The stakes are high, with both teams vying for a second-place finish in the group, which would secure a seeded place in the play-offs in October. Oxtoby emphasized the importance of a strong start, urging her side to be proactive and set the tone from the beginning of the match. Following a professional 2-0 victory over Malta that sealed their play-off place, Northern Ireland is aiming for a similar performance against Bosnia & Herzegovina, whom they previously defeated 3-1 earlier in the campaign. The coach highlighted the need for control and efficiency, stressing the importance of nullifying the threats posed by their opponents while capitalizing on opportunities in the final third. With the pitch at Windsor Park in excellent condition, Oxtoby is determined to deliver a performance that will make the fans proud. Looking back at the team's journey in the qualification campaign, Oxtoby expressed satisfaction with the progress made but emphasized the need for continued development and improvement. Northern Ireland has shown glimpses of their potential, producing strong displays in recent matches, and Oxtoby is now challenging her players to deliver a complete performance to end the qualifying campaign on a high note and build momentum for the upcoming play-offs. Despite the quick turnaround between games, Oxtoby has a full squad at her disposal and may consider making changes for the decisive clash. Additionally, she praised the emergence of young talent like Keri Halliday, highlighting the promising contributions of the 19-year-old forward and emphasizing the importance of nurturing her potential. As Northern Ireland gears up for a crucial showdown against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Oxtoby's message is clear: it's time to step up, deliver a top-notch performance, and continue the team's upward trajectory in pursuit of their Euro 2025 aspirations.