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25.11.2021 at 19:00 Tallaght Stadium
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Attendance: 5164 |
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Referee: Jelena Cvetkovic (Serbia) |
World Cup Qualifier / PROG-match |
Katie Mc Cabe (75)
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Horváthová 8 Mins;
Vojteková 48 Mins,
Lemesova 90 Mins; |
An enthusiastic crowd of 5,164 witnessed a tough competition between the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia who drew 1-1 on a cold Thursday evening in Tallaght Stadium.
26th Nov 2021
Vera Pauw’s team began their Group A campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss against Tokyo Olympics runners-up Sweden and followed it up with a much deserved 2-1 victory away to Finland. In this game, however, Ireland were unable to get into their rhythm.
It was a difficult first half for the Girls in Green and frustrations were high as neither team could get a hold in the game. Ireland’s chances came from counter attacks as both Lucy Quinn and Heather Payne used their pace and agility to cause trouble for the Slovakian defence, but it was scoreless going into half-time.
Early in the second half, Slovakia’s Martina Surnovska finished a wonderful ball into the box and the visitors took the lead in the 46th minute. A real test for Ireland to get themselves back into the game.
The well deserved equaliser came in the 65th minute after great work at the edge of the box by Denise O’Sullivan released Katie McCabe coming in from the left side and Captain McCabe coolly struck the ball across the Slovakian goalkeeper and into the bottom right corner.
The experience of Louise Quinn definitely came in handy for Ireland as in the 75th minute she saved a certain goal, clearing the ball off the goal line, keeping the score level.
The introductions of Ruesha Littlejohn and Kyra Carusa in the second half certainly gave Ireland more of a composed attacking threat, but Slovakia fought just as hard and in the end the points were shared.
Next up is their fourth game of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying campaign against Georgia, Tuesday November 30th, where another big performance is needed.
Republic of Ireland: Brosnan; Fahey, Louise Quinn, McCarthy; O’Gorman (Littlejohn 70), McCabe; Finn, Connolly, O’Sullivan; Lucy Quinn (Carusa 83), Payne.
Slovakia: Korenciova; Horvathova, Biroova, Fischerova, Bartovicova, Vojtekova; Skorvankova, Mikolajova, Surnovska, Hmirova; Mat’avkova.
Referee: Jelena Cvetkovic (Serbia). |
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