NATIONS LEAGUE: Northern Ireland ripped apart by Norway on return to Windsor Park
Northern Ireland were thrashed 5-1 by Norway last night (Monday) in Ian Baraclough's first match in charge at Windsor Park.
The manager said basic mistakes cost his side dearly in what was the biggest home defeat since Spain's 5-0 drubbing 18 years ago.
It was the first time they had played at the National Stadium since the exit from lockdown but because of ongoing covid restrictions the game was played behind closed doors.
In truth, Northern Ireland were outclassed in every department but the defenders were given a particularly torrid time by one of the world's brightest young stars Erling Haaland (pictured above with Stuart Dallas) who plays in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund.
He helped himself to two of the goals and was instrumental in a couple of others.
Paddy McNair bagged Northern Ireland's solitary goal.
Baraclough said it was a chance to look at new players ahead of the Euro 2020 play-off against Bosnia & Herzegovina on October 8.
And he pointed out that his players would get stronger as the season continued: "These are little things that don't happen when players are up to speed and into their stride playing regularly for their clubs- far too much space in those situations and again it's something we have to take on the chin," he said
One highlight for Northern Ireland in an otherwise night to forget was captain Steven Davis equalling Pat Jennings' all-time appearance record.
The Rangers midfielder picked up his 119th cap.