Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Boss: We’ll go out on our Shiels
Belarus N Ireland (5pm)
NORTHERN Ireland women’s boss Kenny Shiels is preparing for a win or bust test in Belarus as the race for Euro 2022 qualification hots up.
With time running out in Group C, Shiels needs four results to go his way to secure a runners-up spot and potential playoff for next summer’s finals in England.
Northern Ireland have to win their remaining three games – starting at the Dinamo Stadion this afternoon – and hope Wales lose one of their remaining two games.
Shiels and his players conclude their campaign with a home double header against the Belarusians and Faroe Islands in Belfast on November 27 and
December 1.
“The outcome of this game will dictate whether we are still in the race for second place and possible qualification,” said Shiels. “That’s how important it is.
“We’re still a long way off qualifying and we still need four results to go our way and only three of those games are in our control.
“But we will do everything we can in our preparation to go into this game in Belarus with no fear – and go there to win.”
A win over Belarus in Minsk would edge Northern Ireland, who have never qualified for a major tournament, up to third in the table with two games to play.
“It’s one of the biggest games in the history of women’s football in Northern Ireland so far because we have a chance of securing a runners-up finish,” said Shiels.
“We can’t look beyond this game and it will be a really hard game, but we know if we win in Belarus it sets us up for two big home games next month.
“It would be a massive achievement for us to go to Belarus and win.”
Second-placed Wales host table topping Norway in Cardiff this evening.