Northern Ireland: Defensive ‘decision-making’ lacking in 5-1 Sweden defeat says Michael O’Neill

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said his side “need to defend better” after a 5-1 friendly defeat by Sweden in Stockholm.

Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak scored a superb fourth for the hosts on Tuesday, having also created their opener.

While Isaac Price did find the net for Northern Ireland late on, O’Neill felt the scoreline was “a little harsh” on his side.

“They had some great moments, some great goals – Isak’s in particular,” said O’Neill.

“We need to defend better. As a back three we didn’t defend great, as a back five we didn’t defend great in terms of our decision-making.”

Sweden led 2-0 at half-time courtesy of their only two shots on target in the opening 45 minutes, while McConville missed a great chance for the visitors with a header just before the break.

“I didn’t think in the first half there was a lot in it. They had two shots and scored two goals,” O’Neill said.

“We’ve two shots, the keeper makes a save and the other misses the target.

“It wasn’t as if we were relying on our keeper to make a load of saves or anything like that.”