Switzerland 2-0 Northern Ireland: We have ‘something to build on’ under Chris Lindsay – Jackie Burns

Northern Ireland captain Jackie Burns said interim coach Chris Lindsay had given the players “something to build on” despite a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier.

Raiola Chimaele opened the scoring in the 22nd minute from a corner kick, and although Northern Ireland created limited chances they frustrated the hosts.

However, their resolve was shattered in stoppage time as Svenja Wohlmle scored from 20 yards to make sure the Swiss, who reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2025, started with three points.

Lindsay will be in charge of at least the opening set of qualifiers after being appointed interim manager to replace Tanya Oxtoby, who left her position in November.

Northern Ireland is seeking to regain its balance at home against Türkiye, which beat Malta 3-0 in the opening match on Saturday.

“It’s something to build on and Chris has unleashed on us. It’s the belief and the courage to just go out and play,” Burns said.

“We are still in the building process and we hope to perform better on Saturday.”

Burns took the captaincy in the absence of team captain Simone Magill, who announced her pregnancy in November.

The goalkeeper, who joined Bristol City last January, said losing the match was “difficult” but “it was full of positives”.

Burns added: “We are disappointed that we conceded two goals, but we put in a really strong performance from start to finish.”

“It was a performance that had been a long time coming and our drive to keep alive, it really showed.”