Overview
- Northern Ireland were beaten 2-1 by Turkey in Istanbul in their penultimate Women's World Cup qualifier, a match played on Friday that ended with Turkey claiming second place in Group B2.
- Fi Morgan's goalbound effort was handled on the line by Turkey forward Busem Seker, with referee Alexandra Collin awarding a penalty after deliberation but issuing only a yellow card instead of a red.
- Megan Bell converted the spot-kick to level the score before half-time and Seker headed home two minutes after the break to score what proved to be the winner.
- The loss means Northern Ireland will finish third in Group B2 and are guaranteed an autumn World Cup play-off spot as an unseeded team, which increases the difficulty of their route to the tournament.
- The decision provoked strong public criticism from former captain Marissa Callaghan and others while Seker denied deliberate intent and Northern Ireland now turn their focus to a final qualifier at home to Switzerland and a tougher play-off path.