McArdle insists Portugal rout is 'start of new identity' for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland fall to heavy Portugal defeat but McArdle sees progress
Northern Ireland's Women's World Cup dream is over for another cycle after a comprehensive 7-1 aggregate loss to Portugal in their play-off tie — but manager Michael McArdle insists the campaign marks "the start of a new identity" for his youthful side.
Portugal had established a four-goal cushion from the first leg at Inver Park, and they showed their ruthlessness once more in Portimao. Kess Elmore handed Northern Ireland a surprise lead on the night, but the hosts fought back to claim a 3-1 win and seal a 7-1 aggregate victory.
"I'm really proud with the brave style of play but we have got to be patient moving forward," McArdle told BBC Sport NI. "It's been a great camp for new players to come in. Now, I feel the profile of players, the energy they are bringing, the effort that they are putting in and the condition that they are in to compete at this level.
"I am really encouraged, personally, moving forward. I have said to the group that this is the start of a new move forward and the start of a new identity moving forward."
Elmore's dream debut caps a window of opportunity
McArdle has used his fledgling tenure to expand squad depth, handing four players their debuts across the Portugal double header. Elmore was among them, and her strike in Portimao made her the second player to score on her debut under McArdle, after Emily Cassap netted in the 2-1 defeat by Switzerland in June.
"I'm delighted for Kess," McArdle said. "I knew she could bring that, and it's just great that she has had that impact in Larne and also got the reward with a goal tonight. She's going to add so much to the group moving forward, but so will a lot of the debutants this week, which was exciting."
The window proved challenging with key figures absent. Captain Simone Magill, along with the experienced Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell and Caragh Hamilton, were all missing through injury or unavailability. Even so, McArdle believes the side set "a real enthusiastic marker" during the tie.
"There have been those moments that have went against us, moments of misfortune. We're playing a risky style of football," he added. "We were on the front foot from the first whistle, and I couldn't be prouder of the girls. This is a real enthusiastic marker for moving forward. This is getting closer to the identity that I would like for us moving forward.
"We want more energy, we want more mobility, and we want to be a lot more versatile as well. I'm really proud but also really frustrated with the scoreline."
Attention turns to Nations League
Northern Ireland have now lost their past four games, and focus shifts to next year's Nations League. McArdle's side will compete in League B after finishing second in their group in 2025, before being beaten comfortably by Iceland in the promotion/relegation play-off.
Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan saw grounds for optimism. "Against opposition like Portugal, I thought they were assured tonight in terms of their performance," she said. "It does have that feel of something very special is going to come up. McArdle spoke about the next Nations League fixtures, he will be getting ready to start that campaign his way with his players and with his style. It is exciting times."