‘RAINE, HAIL AND SHINE

Stars are born as NI reach first ever major finals

NORTHERN Ireland’s Euro 2022 dream became a glorious reality at 9.38pm last night after an historic win over Ukraine at Seaview.

Screams of jubilation and tears of joy were shed on the final whistle as Kenny Shiels and his players embraced football folklore in north Belfast.

Leading 2-1 from Friday’s first leg of a tense playoff, this 2-0 victory sealed a 4-1 aggregate win, a place at next summer’s finals and a first ever appearance at a major tournament.

There was a lot to take in as Northern Ireland sealed a memorable victory with second half goals from captain Marissa Callaghan and substitute Nadene Caldwell.

Callaghan made it 3-1 on aggregate with the opener 11 minutes into the second half before Caldwell put the tie to bed with virtually the last kick of the ball.

What a remarkable tale and a wonderful achievement by former Kilmarnock boss Shiels, who took charge of the team 23 months ago.

Last night’s emotional victory was only the 64-year-old’s tenth competitive game at the helm of the national team.

Northern Ireland were disciplined throughout and limited Ukraine, who are ranked 25 places above them by FIFA, to virtually no shots on target.

It was a disjointed opening 45 as space was at a premium but that suited the home side, with the game scoreless at the break.

The most notable opportunities fell to Northern Ireland defender Laura Lafferty who poked wide from a half cleared Kirsty Mcguinness corner early doors.

Simone Magill, who scored in Friday’s first leg at the Kolos Stadium, also forced the Ukrainian keeper into a smothered save with a run and shot on the half hour mark.

The best the visitors could muster in the first half was a first time shot from captain Apanaschenko which fizzed harmlessly wide of target.

Shiels was heard demanding more “intensity” from his players at the end of the first half and they delivered in spades when Callaghan opened the scoring in the 56th minute.

Julie Nelson’s floated free-kick was flicked on by the Cliftonville midfielder, who latched onto the loose ball and outmuscled the Ukrainian keeper to steer home from close range.

What a magical moment for the 35-year-old as she ran off to celebrate her seventh international goal in her 63rd appearance in a green shirt.

It was all hands to the pump as Ukraine, chasing their first Euro finals since 2009, threw everything at the home defence, but impressive keeper Burns stood firm.

The visitors also saw Natiya Pantsulaya red carded for a late professional foul on the tireless Sarah Mcfadden, Callaghan firing the resulting free-kick over the bar.

Northern Ireland were in dreamland in the 97th minute when Caldwell picked up the pieces to round the keeper and fire into the empty net.

It would end in screams of joy at Seaview as Northern Ireland booked their place among Europe’s elite at next summer’s Euro 2020 finals. NORTHERN IRELAND: Burns, Holloway, Mcfadden (Finnegan 95), Nelson, Hutton, Mccarron, Callaghan (Caldwell 90), Magill, Mcguinness (Kelly 85), Rafferty, Mckenna.

CALDWELL: THIS WILL HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT

propelled the national team to the promised land of next year’s finals.

“It’s an incredible achievement and I’m just delighted for the girls,” said Shiels. “It means a lot and we now have a major tournament to look forward to now.”

What an amazing achievement for Shiels and his largely part-time team who will be the lowest ranked of the 16 teams stepping out at next summer’s tournament in England.

Six of Shiels’ starting line-up at Seaview play for clubs in the Northern Ireland Premiership, including skipper Callaghan (above) who opened the scoring in the 56th minute.

“I’m shell-shocked but you know what, Ukraine didn’t stand a chance because we really believed in ourselves,” said Callaghan.

“Kenny and his backroom staff came in 18 months ago and instilled this tremendous belief and they’ve made us into an amazing team. And look what we’ve done. We’re going to the Euros next year, it’s unreal.”

Glentoran midfielder Caldwell, who put the tie to bed with virtually the last kick of the ball, said: “It’s an absolute dream come true. We can’t believe it. There are no words.

“It’s unbelievable for the country and there is going to be a ripple effect in the years to come. Women’s football in Northern Ireland can kick on from here.”