Northern Ireland's World Cup aspirations faced a significant setback with a 0-4 defeat against Portugal. However, for Kess Elmore, this match marked the beginning of her long-awaited international career.

The first half showcased Portugal's clinical edge, leaving Northern Ireland trailing at half-time. Yet, Elmore's introduction after the break revitalized her team's performance, showcasing her potential impact.

• Elmore, a surprise call-up, believed her chance to represent Northern Ireland had passed.
• She expressed her surprise at being selected, noting, "I wasn't expecting Michael to call me. It was in the back of my mind, but definitely something that I kind of thought had passed."
• With her experience across various teams and formations, Elmore aimed to bring an attacking presence to the youthful squad.

Despite a challenging night against a dominant Portugal, Elmore's energy and movement in the final third offered a fresh dimension to Northern Ireland's attack. She stated, "I just wanted to come on and bring energy and work for the team."

Elmore's debut contributed positively to the second half, which was notably better for Northern Ireland. She commented on the shift in momentum, saying, "I feel like the second half was a lot better."

While the loss left fans disappointed, Elmore's promising performance provided a glimpse of hope for the future. She was among three players earning their first caps, highlighting Manager McArdle's commitment to expanding the squad's depth.