- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Nov 27 2015
The Republic of Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the European Championships in 2017 became a lot more difficult as they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to a classy Spanish side at Tallaght Stadium.
Sue Ronan's team slumped to their second home defeat of the campaign – a fine away win in Portugal followed the disappointing opening loss to Finland – and emerged somewhat flattered by the final scoreline.
Spain dominated possession and created the lion's share of the chances on a wet and windy afternoon in Dublin, with Arsenal goalkeeper Emma Byrne called upon to make a string of fine saves as Ireland struggled to cope with the Iberians' swift passing and movement.
Byrne was called upon within three minutes of the opening kick-off as a patient attack ended with a speculative long-range effort from Spanish midfielder Virginia Torrecilla, and the century-capped goalkeeper gathered at the second attempt.
Byrne saved from Alexis Puttellas before she was blessed to see the post come to her rescue after Ireland failed to deal with an in-swinging corner leading to Julie-Ann Russell's attempted clearance being charged down by Jennifer Hermosa and the ball subsequently cannoned off the post and away to safety.
The Irish defence was continually being tested but remained largely comfortable until finally the sheer weight of possession and attacking intent displayed by the Spanish eventually forced a mistake from defender Louise Quinn allowing Vicky Losada side-footed expertly home from the edge of the area.
Byrne pulled off a superb right-footed save to prevent Amanda Sampedro doubling the lead moments later, but the Atletico Madrid striker had her revenge on the stroke of half-time when she won a penalty after falling theatrically over the challenge of Sophie Perry.
There appeared to be little if any contact made by the Brighton & Hove Albion defender, but the referee was adamant and Hermosa sent Byrne the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick to send Spain into the break with a richly-deserved two-goal lead.
Ireland competed much better in the second half as the Spanish – confident the victory had been secured – slowed the tempo, and the girls in green could have halved the deficit when Perry shot on the turn from inside the box, but goalkeeper Dolores Gallardo spread herself well to block.
Sampedro was unlucky not to register the goal her energetic performance deserved when she just failed to wrap her head around substitute Olga Garcia's testing left-wing cross, but Garcia did force a third when her rasping shot was saved by Byrne but deflected in off the unlucky Perry.
The result leaves Spain in firm control of Group 2 with two wins from two, while Ireland face an uphill battle to reach the Netherlands with just three points from their first three outings.
Republic of Ireland: Emma Byrne; Áine O'Gorman, Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Sophie Perry; Diane Caldwell, Karen Duggan (Stephanie Roche 82), Denise O'Sullivan, Siobhán Killeen (Méabh De Burca 46), Julie-Ann Russell; Ruesha Littlejohn (Claire Shine 67).
Subs not used: Niamh Reid-Burke (gk), Grace Murray, Ciara Rossiter, Savannah McCarthy.
Booked: O'Gorman (32), O'Sullivan (36).
Spain: Dolores Gallardo; Marta Torrejón, Irene Paredes, Ruth García, Melanie Serrano; Victoria Losada (Alexandra 87), Virginia Torrecilla, Alexia Putellas, Marta Corredera (Olga García), Amanda Sampedro (Celia Jiminez 82); Jennifer Hermosa.
Subs not used: Sandra Panos (gk), Leire Landa, Sonia Bermudez, María Paz.
Booked: Corredera (17)
Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (France).
Attendance: 2,763.
Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Amanda Sampedro (Spain).
