Denise O’Sullivan proud of Ireland’s Pinatar Cup performance with win over Wales cementing third place

The Republic of Ireland women’s team rounded off their time at the Pinatar Cup by claiming third place in the tournament with a 1-0 win over Wales.

Denise O’Sullivan netted the winner in the 25^th minute in Spain on Tuesday afternoon and won the Sky player of the match having been deployed by manager Vera Pauw in a deeper role than normal when on international duty but one she is used to when playing her club football.

“I play at six at club level and I got the shout by Vera to drop in there,” said O’Sullivan speaking after the game. “It was just to take more control of the game, get on the ball and try and get our 10s in the game.”

Speaking about her 17^th senior international goal for the girls in green, O’Sullivan said that she “eyed it up. I looked a bit disinterested and I knew she was going to play into that defensive midfielder so I pounced on it. I took a touch and honestly just whacked it in. I was delighted to get on the scoresheet today.”

The win rounds out a good week for the Ireland squad who beat Poland 2-1 in their first game before a narrow defeat by a solitary goal to Russia. The three game tournament was ideal preparation for Ireland’s massive 2023 World Cup qualifier away to Sweden in April.

“It has been a fantastic week. To win this game and end it on a high is excellent. I'm really proud of the hard work by everyone on the pitch. Looking forward to Sweden now.

“It was great to rotate the team in the second game (against Russia) and get those girls get more confidence going into the Sweden game. We can take a lot of positives out of that. We have a full focus on Sweden and I think we are in a really good place.”

Wales: Olivia Clark; Charlie Estcourt, Rhiannon Roberts, Gemma Evans (Anna Filbey 60), Rachel Rowe (Lily Woodham 60); Ceri Holland (Elise Hughes 70), Sophie Ingle, Angharad James, Ffion Morgan (Kayleigh Green 70); Jess Fishlock (Helen Ward 70); Natasha Harding (Georgia Walters 60).

Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan (Eve Badana 63); Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Savannah McCarthy; Jess Ziu, Ruesha Littlejohn, Denise O'Sullivan, Katie McCabe; Heather Payne (Leanne Kiernan 63), Lucy Quinn (Amber Barrett 85); Kyra Carusa (Abbie Larkin 46).

Referee: Bockova Miriama (Slovakia).

Chips on view at the Carlisle but three more takeaways from Friday in the First Division https://t.co/fc2qxQ6cKKpic.twitter.com/WWR6HOjX3m

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) February 22, 2022