Michael O’Neill says Northern Ireland must deal with their 5-1 demolition by way of Sweden as a learning revel in, warning matters gets more durable still in World Cup qualifying.
Northern Ireland were blown away in Tuesday’s pleasant in Stockholm, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga a few of the aims.
Emil Holm, Benjamin Nygren and Ken Sema have been additionally on the right track for Sweden, who have scored five or more targets in returned-to-returned domestic internationals for the 1st time due to the fact that 1957, having crushed Azerbaijan 6-0 remaining day trip on abode soil.
Northern Ireland, in the meantime, conceded greater desires in Tuesday’s defeat than that they had throughout their final eight internationals blended (four), on the grounds that a 5-1 loss to Spain closing June.
Speaking after the game, O’Neill praised his gamers’ utility and mentioned his view that the ultimate scoreline did now not actual reflect the steadiness of play.
“We certainly didn’t come right here to have a scoreline like we had tonight, but we knew it'd be a tough sport,” noted O’Neill.
“In all honesty, the attitude of the team changed into extensive. They not at all stopped fixed games attempting to play. It was once a robust night time however that’s why we took a online game like this.
“I consider five-1 is probably a little bit harsh on us yet on the give up of the day we did supply them opportunities, and at this degree they may punish you.
“But we’re asking plenty of younger players who aren’t taking part in each week for their golf equipment. They usually are not uncovered to this point and this first-rate of player.”
Sweden simply simply outshot Northern Ireland, having 16 attempts and facing 14, nonetheless their options had a total value of 3.02 expected desires (xG) to Northern Ireland’s 1.06.
The next world break sees Northern Ireland face any other pleasant in opposition to Scandinavian opposition in Iceland, ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Germany in September.
“You regularly be told in foreign soccer. Our workforce is made of avid gamers who play in the Championship and League One,” O’Neill persevered.
“They had been taking part in in opposition t players who play at the true stage within the precise leagues.
“That’s the big difference. The physicality and the velocity became a limitation for us yet it’s one we’re going to should treat.
“There’s an alternative degree above this – we ought to move and play Germany – so we be aware of what’s in keep but we will be able to most effective get improved if we reveal ourselves to this degree of opposition.”