Ireland U19s record excellent win over Netherlands
Credit:
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Netherlands
The Republic of Ireland Women’s U19s team notched up another impressive win over hosts Netherlands on Saturday in Sportpark Tanthof – Zuid in the UEFA Second Qualifying phase.
Ireland started the game with vigour, putting pressure on the hosts from the outset, with Ciara O’Connell having a shot on goal after six minutes. Rianna Jarrett was then substituted after just 16 minutes with a knee ligament injury, but Ireland retained composure and Clare Shine found the net after 22 minutes after a ball was played over the Dutch defence by Emma Hansberry.
Katie McCabe doubled the lead after just three minutes, firing the ball into the left corner of the Dutch net after Denise O’Sullivan laid the ball on for her.
The Netherlands pulled a goal back in the 68th minute when Myrthe Moorrees fired past goalkeeper Jillian Maloney bringing the Netherlands back into the game. Ireland remained strong however, and coped well with changes to the line-up when goal scorer Clare Shine was substituted at 88 minutes after getting a knock to the head.
Captain fantastic Denise O’Sullivan was the stand-out player for Ireland and was a dominant presence throughout the game. Head coach Dave Connell also praised the back four for their hard work along with striker Sarah Rowe.
Dave Connell said ‘We’ve had two magnificent results against two great nations, who have fantastic reputations in Women’s football. Italy won the tournament three years ago, and Sweden are the holders, but the girls dug deep and came up trumps. We’re only one step away from qualifying for the finals, but we’re proud of the girls no matter what happens.’
Ireland have a few injury worries ahead of Tuesday’s game, as Rianna Jarrett and Clare Shine will both be assessed by the Irish medical team to determine whether they are fit enough to feature against Sweden.
Ireland now sit at the top of Group 1 with six points after holders Sweden drew 2-2 against Italy meaning they need at least a draw to qualify.
Ireland will play their final game on Tuesday, April 9 against Sweden in Sportpark Tanthof- Zuid at 17.00 hrs (local time).
Ireland: Jillian Maloney, Grace Wright, Lauren Murphy, Chloe Mustaki, Ciara O'Connell, Emma Hansberry, Sarah Rowe, Clare Shine (Jetta Berrill ’88), Rianna Jarrett (Emma Cahill ’16), Denise O'Sullivan (C), Katie McCabe
Netherlands: Jennifer Vreugdenhill, Sabine Becx (Lisa Bosveld ’46), Dominique Janssen (C), Myrthe Moorrees, Nadia Coolen, Vera Berends, Judith Westervelt (Chelly Drost ’46), Anna Miedema, Jeslynn Kuijpers, Yvette van der Veen, Lauren Delleman
Referee: Eleni Lampadariou (GRE)
