Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby praised her players for their response to a lack of “professional courtesy” in Croatia in their 1-1 draw in the Euro 2025 qualifying first leg.
A late own goal from Izabela Lojna, who had scored Croatia’s opener from the penalty spot, earned Northern Ireland a point in Varazdin.
Oxtoby’s side struggled with the bumpy pitch at the Gradski Stadion Varteks and their manager was critical of their treatment whilst in Croatia.
“I’m really proud of the playing group because I think this week has been really difficult in terms of getting professional courtesy,” she told BBC Sport NI.
“I’m glad we’re going back on equal footing in the second leg, I’m really looking forward to playing at Windsor Park where we can exert ourselves on the game.”
BBC Sport NI has contacted the Croatian FA for a response.
‘We go back home in a good position’
Northern Ireland fell behind after just three minutes in Varazdin as goalkeeper Jackie Burns fouled Ivana Rudelic in the box.
Lojna blasted home the resulting spot-kick, but Oxtoby was pleased with her side’s response, with Simone Magill hitting the crossbar minutes after the opener.
“The advantage was that it was three minutes in so we had the whole half and we hadn’t even really got started,” Oxtoby said.
“We asked them to respond and in the first half we dominated the game and played really well, so I’m really pleased we grinded it out and got an equaliser in the end.”
The Australian believes the resolve shown by her players will stand them in good stead for the second leg at Windsor Park.
“To come away from home and get the draw, there is a little bit of relief, but I was pleased with the players and their determination to keep pushing,” Oxtoby said.
“You can’t ask for much more and we go back home in a good position.”
Oxtoby also reserved praise for Cliftonville’s Danielle Maxwell, who was Northern Ireland’s biggest threat throughout.
“She was exceptional, she was driving at players and causing all sorts of problems,” Oxtoby added.
“Her all-round game was really impressive tonight and hopefully she can take that into Tuesday.”
‘A team like this don’t give you many goals’
Oxtoby is hoping for a more clinical display from her side in Belfast as they look to reach the second round of the play-offs with a win.
“We’re getting into the right positions which is pleasing but we need to be clinical, as a team like this don’t give you many goals,” she said.
“From our point of view the positive is that we’re getting into the areas nine months ago we wouldn’t.”
She has also called on the fans who will be “really important” in helping to create a raucous atmosphere at Windsor Park.
“We’re really looking forward to getting back home and we want to put in a positive performance for our fans. We will need them to make it as uncomfortable as possible for Croatia.”