Northern Ireland: Michael O’Neill’s side exposed to ‘level above’ in Sweden loss

Northern Ireland’s journey of progression has been a story of fearless youngsters and, largely, there’s been plenty for the Green and White Army to cheer about.

With a starting team with an average age of 22.6 – the joint-second youngest fielded by Northern Ireland since 1946 – it was another bright start before things quickly came unstuck on seven minutes.

Wary of Isak, possibly the most in-form striker in world football, the NI defence got caught ball watching and that allowed the unmarked Emil Holm to fire home the opener.

Missing first-choice defenders Conor Bradley, Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume, Sweden cut through the pair of Terry Devlin, making his first start, and Ruairi McConville, on his third cap, and that led to Pierce Charles, himself with only six caps, to push the ball into the path of Benjamin Nygren.

Ken Sema added a third, while Isak powered home a superb fourth and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga added a fifth.

In contrast, NI failed to take numerous chances and the damage was done, at both ends of the pitch, before Isaac Price scored his eighth international goal with a deflection as the clock ticked into injury time.

“I thought probably 2-0 was a little bit harsh on us at half-time, and then the third goal is a poor goal for us to lose off a set-piece,” said O’Neill, while stressing “you always learn in international football”.

“In all honesty the attitude of the team was great. They never stopped trying to play. It was a tough night but that’s why we took a game like this.

“We’re asking a lot of young players who aren’t playing every week for their clubs. They are not exposed to this level and this quality of player.

“Sweden have some top, top players – particularly at the top end of the pitch. It’s a benchmark, for our players all of these games are a step up.”