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13.09.2010 at 15:00 Gradski vrt, Osijek (CRO)
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Attendance: |
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Croatia |
1 - 0
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Ireland Under 19 |
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Referee: Lilach Asulin |
European Championship Qualifier-match |
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Ana Jelencic 21 mins, |
None. |
UEFA U19 women's championship first phase qualifiers
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Croatia
Ana Jelenčić 21
The Republic of Ireland Under-19 Women team have it all to do if they're to progress into the elite phase of the UEFA qualifying series after losing to mini-group hosts Croatia in Osijek on Monday.
Buoyed with a 5-0 win over Cyprus in Saturday's opener, Ireland knew another victory from their remaining two qualifiers would be sufficient but their failure to trouble the home nation means only victory against group leaders Russia in Thursday's concluding tie will confirm their progress.
The only goal of the game came on 21 minutes when Ana Jelenčić sped down the right wing and her cross was deflected past goalkeeper Ireland goalkeeper Kiev Dollard and into the net.
Croatia needed something from the game following their 1-0 reverse against Russia and held the upper-hand in the physical battles that were a feature of a forgettable first half for Ireland.
The Irish found scoring chances limited but from their best one, just short of the interval, Kate Flood smashed a shot from the right which cracked off the frame of the post and back into play.
However, Croatia always looked dangerous and capable of adding a second and Ireland's prospects of a second half revival were dampened at the break when both Shauna Chambers and Michelle O'Reilly - who notched four goals against Cyrpus - were forced off with injuries.
Ronan switched her formation twice during the second half, firstly to 4-3-3 and then 3-4-3 in a bid to salvage a result and substitute Orla Devaney was inches from restoring parity midway through the half but her close-range header angled over the crossbar.
"Croatia played very direct and we didn't control that threat as we should, especially in the first half," said Ronan afterwards.
"We had a couple of chances to equalise in either half but we'll need a major improvement to get the win we need against Russia."
Russia's 7-0 victory over Cyprus in the other group tie played on Monday guaranteed them one of two qualifying berths from the pool.
Republic Ireland: Kiev Dollard (Portlaoise), Nicole Cronin (Aisling Annacotty), Becky Walsh (Salthill Devon), Bronagh Kerins (Sligo Rovers), Kate Flood (Dundalk), Stephanie Murphy (Ballincollig), Emma Farmer (Wilton United), Shauna Chambers (Watford), Lois Roche (Arsenal), Michelle O'Reilly (St. Francis), Rosie Maguire (Kilmore).
Substitutions: Laura Chambers (Kilmore) for S. Chambers, Orla Devaney (Glen Celtic) for O'Reilly (both h/t), Shauna Eccles (O'Devanney) for Cronin (70 mins).
UEFA Women's U19 UEFA Championship qualifiers - 1st phase
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Republic of Ireland 5-0 Cyprus
Stadium: Gradski vrt, Osijek (CRO)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Croatia
Stadium: Gradski vrt, Osijek (CRO)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Russia - Republic of Ireland
Stadium: Gradski vrt, Osijek (CRO). |
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