Kenny Shiels expects Northern Ireland’s fate in qualifying for the Women’s World Cup to be decided in Friday’s “pivotal” fixture away to Austria.
The two sides go into the match level on 13 points, three behind unbeaten leaders England in Group D, separated by only a single goal in goal difference.
And though each side will still have three games to play after this – with both still to face England once more – Shiels said Friday’s fixture feels like the finale of the qualifying campaign given it is likely to determine which side makes it into the play-offs.
