UEFA Women’s Under-19 Elite Phase Qualifier
France 2 - 0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19 side were beaten 2-0 by France today in their final UEFA Championship Elite Phase Group Two qualifier in Orleans, France.
France scored twice in the first-half through Eugenie Le Sommer’s brace to secure victory and maintain their 100 per cent record from their three group games. They finish top of the four-nation group with nine points and qualify for the European Championship Finals in Iceland this July.
Ireland completed the group in second place with six points but can still reach the Finals via the best-runner up route.
The five other UEFA Elite groups will be finalised on Sunday and the Irish remain in contention for the coveted slot to join the six group winners and hosts Iceland at the eight-nation Championships.
France were quickest out of the blocks and snatched the lead after only three minutes when Le Sommer fired past Irish goalkeeper Lyn Dowling - Bradley.
Ireland regrouped after going behind so early and were starting to enjoy a significant portion of possession.
Their passing were beginning the stretch the French defence as the half wore on but Sue Ronan’s team were dealt a critical blow six minutes before half-time when Le Sommer struck her second goal to make it 2-0.
The second half saw Ireland produce a gallant display and Diane Caldwell was unlucky to see her shot rebound off the crossbar.
Ireland can pride themselves on a gritty display against one of the favourites for the European Championship title, France, who finished second at last year’s Finals.
This was the first completive defeat inflicted upon Ireland this season, after they had won their previous five matches over the course of the UEFA first and second, Elite phases.
Repubic of Ireland, U19:
Lyn Dowling - Bradley - Raheny United
Elaine Murray - Raheny United
Grace Murray - Dundalk City WFC
Louise Quinn - Peamount United
Susan Hackett - Stella Marris
Meabh De Burca - Salthill Devon
Diane Caldwell - Hofstra University
Áine O’Gorman - Stella Maris
Seana Cooke - Arsenal FC
Noelle Murray - Raheny United
Aoife Herbert - Ballina Town
Subs used:
Jennifer Critchley - Lifford for Cooke (46 mins)
Christina Byrne - Raheny United for Herbert (46 mins)
Stephanie Roche - Stella Maris for O’Gorman (88 mins)
Subs not used:
Leona Archibald - Mullingar Athletic FC
Mary Barrett - Douglas Hall
Niamh Reid-Burke - St.Mochtas
Niamh Mulcahy - Aisling Anacotty FC
UEFA Elite Phase Results
Monday 9th April:
REP. OF IRELAND 1 - 0 PORTUGAL
Aine O’Gorman 45
(Stade Robert Barran)
Wednesday 11th April:
REP. OF IRELAND 1 - 0 NETHERLANDS
Diane Caldwell 74
(St. John de Braye Stadium) |
