Summary

  • Callaghan puts NI ahead on 16 mins

  • Furness doubles NI's lead on 23 minutes

  • Wilson adds third goal just before break

  • Wade hits fourth goal on 70 mins

  • Furness also hits woodwork with penalty

  • NI face Latvia at Windsor Park on Tuesday

  1. Selfie timepublished at 18:50 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    These Northern Ireland girls know where the camera is!

    The team selfie has become something of a pre-match routine for them - and they are all looking relaxed on the Inver pitch tonight.

    Will they still be smiling in a few hours? They'll certainly hope so.

    The Northern Ireland team take a selfie before the gameImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    The Northern Ireland team take a selfie before the game

  2. The Furness factorpublished at 18:45 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    Andy Gray
    BBC Sport NI at Inver Park

    Kenny Shiels hinted on Tuesday that he would change things up for NI's opening World Cup qualifier but, by and large, it's a familiar looking team.

    Just like tonight, NI were without Everton forward Simone Magill for June's friendly with Scotland and Shiels tried two different systems in her absence.

    In the first half, captain Marissa Callaghan played a 'false nine' role in between Lauren Wade and Kirsty McGuinness, and in the second half youngsters Emily Wilson and Kerry Beattie were paired up top in a fresh and exciting partnership.

    Crusaders striker Wilson starts again tonight and it will be interesting to see if she is left to lead the line or if she will be paired with either Kirsty McGuinness or Lauren Wade.

    The return of Rachel Furness is a huge boost for Shiels after missing the second leg of the play-off win over Ukraine with a broken leg, and watch out for Glentoran duo Kerry Beattie and Caragh Hamilton if they come off the bench - they are two players with game-changing abilities.

  3. Six from sixpublished at 18:44 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    That's what you call a strong finish to a Euro qualifying campaign, with a couple of successful play-off matches thrown in for good measure.

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  4. The manager has his saypublished at 18:41 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    It's never dull when Kenny Shiels is speaking.

    The Northern Ireland manager is not hiding from the belief that his side should be winning their opening two games against Luxembourg and Latvia.

    Watch and listen to what he has had to say in the pre-match build-up.

    Media caption,

    'They're games we feel we can win' - Kenny Shiels

  5. Three changes from NI's play-off teampublished at 18:41 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    Northern Ireland boss Kenny Shiels has made three changes from the Euro 2022 second-leg home victory over Ukraine in April.

    With Ashley Hutton and Simone Magill both ruled out by injury, fit-again Rachel Furness and and Lauren Wade are drafted into the team with Emily Wilson taking over from Laura Rafferty.

    Northern Ireland team newsImage source, inpho
    Image caption,

    Northern Ireland team news

  6. Scenes...published at 18:39 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    This should get you in the mood...

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  7. It could be specialpublished at 18:38 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    Andy Gray
    BBC Sport NI at Inver Park

    This Northern Ireland team are used to making history so it's quite appropriate they will become the first senior international team to play at Inver Park in the coastal town of Larne.

    It's no secret that Larne FC owner Kenny Bruce has put in a lot of money, time and effort to transform Inver Park and he is reaping the rewards as the east Antrim town hosts a World Cup qualifier.

    Tonight is a special night for Julie Nelson, who will take to her home town pitch wearing the green shirt of Northern Ireland for the first time on her 118th cap.

    With her family in attendance, it's a proud night for one of Northern Ireland's greatest-ever servants.

    She'll be as determined as ever to make sure NI start their campaign with three points and make it the perfect homecoming for the 36-year-old.

    It will also be the first time the majority of the crowd in attendance will have been able to watch this Northern Ireland time in person in almost two years.

    A special night all round.

  8. Windsor can waitpublished at 18:30 British Summer Time 17 September 2021

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:00 BST)

    A lot has been made about the Northern Ireland women's team bridging an 11-year gap by returning to play at Windsor Park against Latvia on Tuesday night.

    And rightly so, with the squad getting the opportunity to experience the National Stadium five months after their history-making qualification for next summer's Euro finals.

    Before that, however, the side ranked 48th in the world begin their bid for World Cup 2023 qualification against Luxembourg, ranked 121st, this evening.

    It's a match they really should win as they aim to build on the positive momentum generated by their heroics in April. And, with Latvia to follow four days later, six points from their opening two Group D matches is a very realistic target.

    Inver Park, home of Irish Premiership side Larne, is the venue for tonight's encounter as the East Antrim stadium hosts a major international for the first time.

    There was no way we were missing out on the start of what could be another fairytale journey, so we have you covered for a live stream of the game, with accompanying live text commentary and goal clips.

    It's Friday Night Football with an international flavour. Lovely stuff. Enjoy!

    Northern Ireland captain Marissa CallaghanImage source, Pacemaker
    Image caption,

    Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan