Irish U19s set for 2nd Qualifying Round of UEFA Championships

The Republic of Ireland Women’s U19 squad, lead by head coach Dave Connell, will kick off their UEFA Second Qualifying stage on Thursday in the Netherlands. The squad, who emerged from the first qualifying round last October, will face Italy, hosts Netherlands, and Sweden over the coming week.

In the second qualifying round, 24 teams who emerged from the first qualifying round consisting of 40 teams go into six mini-tournament groups of four. The group winners and the runners-up with the best record against the sides first and third in their pool join the hosts at the tournament finals this Summer.

First up, Dave Connell’s squad will play Italy at 16.30 hrs (local time)on Thursday April 4, followed by the Netherlands on Saturday April 6 at 17.30 hrs (local time), and finally Sweden on Tuesday April 9 at 17.00 hrs (local time). All games will be played in Sportpark Tanthof, Zuid.

The Irish have settled into their base in Voorschoten, Netherlands after arriving on Tuesday afternoon and Connell believes the games will prove a great challenge for his players.

Speaking on Wednesday, Connell said “The team have been looking really sharp, and we’re looking forward to these games. There have been some girls on the periphery of the squad, who have really excelled during training, and I’m impressed so far.’

‘We’ve been drawn in a tough group containing big nations, with Sweden as favourites, and we’re aware of the enormous task ahead of us. I’m proud of the girls for getting here, and we’re focussed ahead of these games.’

Connell has no significant injury worries ahead of the games, with Denise O’Sullivan expected to start despite a niggling back reaction sustained during a trip to the Cyprus Cup with Ireland Women’s seniors last month. Chloe Mustaki and Jetta Berrill also sat out training today as a precautionary measure, but are available for selection on Thursday.

 Republic of Ireland U19 Squad