Northern Ireland 0-2 Iceland: Northern Ireland ‘still in the draw’ despite losing first leg – Tanya Oxtoby

Northern Ireland coach Tanya Oxtoby says her side are “still in the game” despite losing 2-0 to Iceland in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League promotion-relegation tie.

It was a dominant display from Thorsteinn Halldorsson’s side, who took the lead in the 31st minute when Glodis Viggosdottir nodded Karolina Velhjalmsdottir’s header from a free-kick past Jackie Burns.

Although Northern Ireland defended resolutely in open play, they continued to struggle from set-pieces in the second half as Ingeborg Sigurdardottir headed home from a corner kick in the 75th minute.

“We don’t celebrate defeat, but the performance was exceptional,” Oxtoby said.

“We have to celebrate that. I think the way the players executed the game plan, we didn’t concede from open play.

“the first [goal] It’s frustrating because I think it’s really preventable from our perspective, but we’ll learn from it.

“It’s 2-0, and we’re still in a draw. There are improvements to be made, but overall, I’m really proud of the group.”