Northern Ireland trailed for almost 90 minutes in Croatia but drew their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 1st qualifying round play-off away leg.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns gave away a penalty after only three minutes, for a foul in the box. Izabela Lojna stepped up and hit the spot-kick into the top corner for a very early lead.
The Irish had a good chance to level with a free kick 18 minutes to go, however Rebecca Holloway’s effort was wide of the target.
Rachel Dugdale went off injured after a high boot caught her head when she attempted to nod the ball away.
With the game slipping away from the visitors, they forced a stoppage-time equaliser, with a Casey Howe cross leading to an own-goal by early scorer Lojna.
Northern Ireland welcome Croatia to Belfast for Tuesday’s second leg.
