Northern Ireland 0-4 Portugal: Kess Elmore marks long-awaited debut as World Cup dream fades

Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching the 2027 Women's World Cup are hanging by a thread after Portugal delivered a ruthless 4-0 defeat at Inver Park in Larne in the first leg of their play-off tie — but the night ended with a moment Kess Elmore had long stopped expecting.

The Sparta Prague forward was handed the first cap she feared had passed her by, introduced at half-time and immediately injecting energy and movement into a Northern Ireland attack that had been starved of both before the break. It was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise chastening evening against the world's 22nd-ranked side.

A ruthless first half from Portugal

Portugal's first-half display in Larne gave them a comfortable advantage at the break, with Northern Ireland struggling to contain a clinical opponent that carried "a lot of momentum" before the interval.

The hosts were a different proposition after Elmore's introduction, and the second period was a far better contest for Michael McArdle's side — even if the damage had already been done on the scoreboard.

'Something that I kind of thought had passed'

Elmore's call-up for the play-off double header was a surprise even to the player herself. She had been involved in a Northern Ireland training camp back in 2021, having previously represented England up to Under-20 level, and had quietly accepted that a green shirt might never come her way.

"I wasn't expecting Michael to call me. It was in the back of my mind, but definitely something that I kind of thought had passed," Elmore said.

"I've played in a lot of teams with a lot of different formations, tactics and, over the years, I have gained a real understanding of the game. So, hopefully I can bring a bit of that experience into the squad because we do have a young squad and I bring an attacking presence.

"It's great to have those experiences under my belt because now going into these games, I feel pretty confident in what I can do and what I can bring."

'I just wanted to come on and bring energy'

Elmore admitted she had no idea whether she would feature at all, learning only at the interval that she would be entering the fray. Her response was immediate.

"I had no idea whether I'd make my debut or not, but I got told at half-time that I'd be coming on and, obviously, that was really nice to hear," she continued.

"I just wanted to come on and bring energy and work for the team. Portugal had a lot of momentum in the first half, so I kind of wanted to shift that in our favour and I feel like the second half was a lot better.

"So, I'm happy that I could contribute to that. We knew it was going to be a very defensive game for us but huge respect to Portugal and what they can do."

An attacking dimension — and an unfamiliar role

Although Elmore normally plays on either the wing or in midfield for Sparta Prague, she spent much of her time at Inver Park leading the line as a lone striker after coming on.

It was a challenge the debutant embraced, particularly given she has already tested herself on some of European football's biggest club stages this year, in both the Champions League and the Europa League.

"That was the first time playing centre-forward for a very long time since university. I like any of the attacking positions and anywhere attacking, I'm happy to play. I mean, anywhere the team needs me, I'm happy to be there."

McArdle: 'You'll see what I see now'

Elmore was one of three players to earn a first cap against Portugal, underlining McArdle's determination to widen his options and build depth in a young squad. The manager believes the new arrival can give his side something extra in the final third.

"I think with Kess come on, obviously making her debut as well, I think that brings a nice energy," McArdle said.

"I'm grateful that we've all seen Kess because you'll see what I see now. There is someone here who can add to the group and give us something going forward and in the final third, so delighted that she's gone on the pitch."

Elmore's arrival was part of a wider refresh. According to the squad announcement made on 30 September, McArdle named five fresh faces for the Portugal tie, with Elmore — a former England youth international — headlining the group alongside Galway United defender Lucy-Jayne Grant and three home-grown domestic players.

What next: Portimao on Tuesday

Northern Ireland must now travel to Portimao for the second leg on Tuesday, kicking off at 19:45 BST, with a four-goal deficit to overturn and a tough task ahead.

For the travelling supporters there will be plenty of disappointment after the scale of the defeat in Larne. For Elmore, though, the evening offered an encouraging glimpse of what she could bring — and the start of an international journey she had assumed was over.