All News

World Cup qualifiers: "We have nothing to lose" against France - Barrett

Amber Barrett expresses confidence as Northern Ireland prepare to face France in a crucial World Cup qualifying match, stressing they have nothing to lose.

Northern Ireland striker Amber Barrett said the team will "give it their all" in Tuesday's match against France, where they have the opportunity to gain automatic qualification for the World Cup. Barrett came on as a 76th-minute substitute and scored the decisive goal against the Netherlands in the dying minutes of the match in Cork, in front of a crowd of more than 12,000. Now, Carla Ward's team have the chance to qualify for two consecutive World Cups when they travel to Grenoble to face France, currently top of the group. Even if they draw or lose, they will have a chance to reach a play-off, but Barrett assures that they will take to the pitch to win on Tuesday. “We have nothing to lose,” Barrett told RTE after the match. "When we started the group, what everyone feared was not to finish fourth. We avoided that tonight and we have nothing to lose on Tuesday, we will give our all. Whatever happens, we still have the play-offs in October and December." Laurent Bonadei's side beat Northern Ireland 2-1 at Tallaght Stadium in March. Barrett added that although the team comes into this "cup final" unbeaten in their last three games, they will not underestimate the French. "In the past, if it had been 2-2 against the Netherlands, you would probably have been rubbing your hands saying 'we will do it'. But Carla [Ward] said from the beginning of the week to let everyone know that we are going to win the game. Tuesday is a cup final. Against the Netherlands, we were going to win and there was no doubt. It's a huge game on Tuesday, we will enjoy tonight but we won't take the French for granted, they are an incredible team. Let's recover, let's get ready and go again.

Related Articles

26 Jun 2026

Benevento looking for offensive reinforcements: first contacts for Ruocco from Mantova

Benevento seeks to strengthen its attack after promotion to Serie B, focusing on Francesco Ruocco from Mantova.

26 Jun 2026

Cyle Larin scores his second FIFA World Cup™ goal, giving Canada the lead against Qatar

Cyle Larin's goal allows Canada to take the lead in their match against Qatar during the FIFA World Cup.

26 Jun 2026

Ajax signs the young Moroccan defender

Ajax have reached an agreement with Fouad Zahouani, a young defender from Union Touarga Sportif, who will join Jong Ajax.