Michael O’Neill says Northern Ireland must treat their 5-1 demolition by means of Sweden as a learning knowledge, caution things will get tougher still in World Cup qualifying.
Northern Ireland were blown away in Tuesday’s friendly in Stockholm, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga most of the objectives.
Emil Holm, Benjamin Nygren and Ken Sema were additionally heading in the right direction for Sweden, who have scored 5 or more targets in back-to-to come back dwelling internationals for the first time in view that 1957, having overwhelmed Azerbaijan 6-zero remaining day trip on dwelling house soil.
Northern Ireland, in the meantime, conceded more desires in Tuesday’s defeat than they'd across their final eight internationals blended (4), due to the fact that a five-1 loss to Spain final June.
Speaking after the game, O’Neill praised his players’ program and mentioned his view that the remaining scoreline did no longer basically reflect the steadiness of play.
“We absolutely didn’t come right here to have a scoreline like we had tonight, yet we knew it might be a complicated game,” said O’Neill.
“In all honesty, the mind-set of the fixed matches today workforce was splendid. They not ever stopped attempting to play. It turned into a challenging evening yet that’s why we took a online game like this.
“I think five-1 is possibly a little bit harsh on us but at the cease of the day we did supply them possibilities, and at this stage they can punish you.
“But we’re asking tons of young players who aren’t playing each and every week for his or her golf equipment. They should not exposed to this stage and this high-quality of participant.”
Sweden most effective just outshot Northern Ireland, having 16 makes an attempt and going through 14, nevertheless their opportunities had a complete cost of 3.02 estimated dreams (xG) to Northern Ireland’s 1.06.
The next global break sees Northern Ireland face one more pleasant in opposition t Scandinavian opposition in Iceland, forward of World Cup qualifiers towards Luxembourg and Germany in September.
“You at all times examine in worldwide soccer. Our crew is made from gamers who play inside the Championship and League One,” O’Neill endured.
“They have been gambling towards avid gamers who play at the appropriate point in the exact leagues.
“That’s the distinction. The physicality and the speed was once a obstacle for us yet it’s one we’re going to need to take care of.
“There’s yet one more degree above this – we have to go and play Germany – so we be aware of what’s in save yet we will be able to simplest get improved if we reveal ourselves to this point of competition.”