Ireland under-19 captain Kate Thompson on Euros campaign: 'We're here to compete'
Kate Thompson Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
Ireland Women's Under-19s captain Kate Thompson credits team spirit as their biggest asset as they prepare for their second game in the 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 European Championships.
After securing a point with a 0-0 draw against reigning champions Spain in their opening match, the squad, led by Dave Connell, is set to face last year's runners-up Germany on Thursday.
Germany currently top Group B, having drawn 1-1 with the Netherlands, leaving the group wide open with two semi-final spots available.
Thompson believes the camaraderie among the 20 players and support staff enhances their performance.
Reflecting on the match against Spain, she stated, "We just put everything on the line and really pushed as a group together. We're such a tight-knit group and it's just been so good so far."
Despite her role as captain, Thompson emphasises the collective effort: "It's one of the best things I've probably done in my life so far. It's just such an experience every time no matter if it's a friendly or even just training... it's just such a good experience and no matter how many times you do it, it just gets better each time."
Confident about their chances, Thompson highlighted the talent within the squad.
"We've had such a tough group, but I really think we have a good shot of giving it our best. I don't think people understand the talent that's in the group at the moment, so we'll do our best, but I do think we can get a result out of the games coming up."
Regarding the goalless draw against Spain, Thompson praised the team's discipline and the coaching staff's strategy.
"We knew going into the game it would be a very tough match. We knew that even though it was a strong opposition, that there is a lot of talent and discipline in our group and I think we showed that in the game. We worked really hard and really well as a group and credit to the coaches they had a really great plan in place for the match. Even though we didn’t get the win we got a result out of the game."
Optimistic about their upcoming matches, Thompson acknowledged the need for results to reach the semi-finals.
"We showed to the others in the group that we are here to compete. We are really optimistic now for the next two games but understand that we need to get results if we want to reach the semi-finals."
The clash against Germany will be broadcast live on the RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player, with kick-off at 12:00.
