Northern Ireland 1-0 Croatia: ‘Relief and euphoria as Wade steps up to save hosts”

It had been 114 minutes of ever-growing frustration. And then, in an instant, pure euphoria.

As Lauren Wade wheeled away after her superb, much-needed goal, she put her arms out and looked to the skies, her eyes closed as she soaked in the moment.

It was a celebration of relief, more than anything, as Northern Ireland kept alive their Euro 2025 dreams.

The players and bench ran to the corner to celebrate with Wade, while manager Tanya Oxtoby hugged her coaching staff in the dugout.

After a gritty 1-1 draw in Croatia, a drab second leg at Windsor Park looked destined for penalties.

Northern Ireland’s dreams of making Euro 2025 were in the balance until Wade, not for the first time, was the hero as her effort from the edge of the area flew into the top corner.

“It was really emotional,” said Wade.

“We had the belief we were always going to score, but I’m proud of the significance of the goal and what it meant.

“It’s definitely up there with one of the best I’ve scored.”