Switzerland beat Northern Ireland 2-1 in qualifier

Switzerland defeated Northern Ireland 2-1 at Mourneview Park in the final Women's World Cup qualifier. Geraldine Reuteler opened the scoring before half‑time, and Smilla Vallotto added a second. Emily Cassap, on her debut, netted a late consolation goal. Reuteler scored in the 29th minute after Leila Wandeler delivered a cross from the edge of the box. Wandeler’s pass found Reuteler, whose shot hit the post before going in. Vallotto finished the half‑hour mark chance by receiving Reuteler’s cut‑back and finishing inside the box. Cassap entered the match as a substitute and scored in the 85th minute. After coming on, she collected the ball from fellow substitute Mia Moore and curled it into the far corner beyond Elvira Herzog. The win returned Rafel Navarro’s side to League A, while Michael McArdle’s Northern Ireland finished third and remain in League B. Both teams now await the autumn play‑offs draw scheduled for 18 June to determine their opponents. Danielle Maxwell missed two early chances for Northern Ireland, striking the post after a one‑two with Lauren Wade and then seeing her low shot saved by Herzog. Noelle Maritz threatened for Switzerland twice, and Keri Halliday slipped while defending the Cliftonville winger. Jackie Burns was left to clear a cross from Vallotto after the Swiss midfielder found space in the box. McArdle will review the defensive lapses that allowed Reuteler and Vallotto to score, and he will consider Cassap’s impact when selecting the squad for the play‑offs. The side must improve to compete against higher‑ranked opponents in the upcoming rounds.