Northern Ireland went down 2-0 to Austria at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, in front of over 9,000 fans at St Mary’s Stadium.
Austria took the lead on 19 minutes, when Sarah Puntigam’s free-kick deflected off Julie Nelson and was turned in from close range by Katharina Schiechtl.
Sarah McFadden, who had by that stage already produced several blocks, raced back to clear the danger as Austria threatened once more.
Austria continued to enjoy the bulk of possession, spraying the ball around and stretching the Northern Ireland midfield and defence.
Jackie Burns tipped a Barbara Dunst effort onto the bar, while Kirsty McGuinness’s strike from outside the area was saved.
Sarah Zadrazil hit the side netting for Austria and Rachel Furness saw her header drop on top of the net.
Katharina Naschenweng sealed the points on 87 minutes, driving the ball into the bottom corner.
