- Brendan Graham
- Thu, Apr 08 2021
Brendan Graham reports from Tallaght Stadium
Ireland fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against a solid Denmark side at Tallaght Stadium this evening.
Denmark took the lead after just eight minutes courtesy of a Sorensen goal at the back post.
A subdued first half Ireland performance turned into a display with far more belief, intent and a confidence that saw Ireland almost find a goal of their own on more than one occasion in the second period of the tie.
Denmark were quick to grow into the game settling well into their passing rhythm in the first few minutes.
Comfortable on the ball and satisfied to wait for an opening they patiently sounded out the hosts in search of an early opener.
Bruun and Svava linked up well down the left channel keeping Keeva Keenan busy from the off as they looked to pin Ireland into their own half more and more.
The pressure told after just nine minutes with Denmark deservedly making the breakthrough and taking the lead.
Svava this time found the perfect weight for her pass behind Keenan and into the path of Bruun once more. Bruun whipped a quick ball across the box somehow finding Sorensen who inched the ball past Maloney at the back post.
It was no less than the visitors deserved as they converted their penetrative play and composure on the ball into an early goal.
With the breakthrough found, Denmark were hungry for a second with no let up to be found at all for Vera Pauw’s side in their own half. The lively Naim with quick feet jinked past Quinn on route to goal but her effort in the end was tame allowing Maloney to collect with ease.
As the half progressed Ireland did manage to slowly venture further up the pitch as they looked to bring Payne and Amber Barrett into the game more.
Payne was quick to notice Christensen off her line attempting an audacious chip from the edge of the box but putting too much on it saw her effort clear the crossbar and away from danger.
As the first half drew to a close Naim and Bruun both went close again. Naim almost caught Maloney out chipping the Ireland shot stopper on the edge of the box but a brilliant last ditch header from Diane Caldwell on her 80th appearance in green denied Denmark their second going in at the break.
With Emily Whelan replacing Heather Payne at half time, the Shelbourne and WNL star almost made an immediate impact with a brilliant individual effort close to goal.
Whelan took the ball down brilliantly with a sublime first touch laying the ball out ahead of her. The striker advanced with the ball to the edge of the box before winding up and unleashing a powerful effort towards goal but her excellent shot inches just over the crossbar.
It was a much better start to the second half from Ireland as they held onto the ball much better with more direct passing and far more intent in their play.
They should have been level on fifty three minutes when a Katie McCabe shot from distance smashed back off the crossbar with Christensen completely beaten.
On the hour mark Vera Pauw decided to change things up a bit with Ellen Molly and Rianna Jarrett both being introduced.
Minutes later and the influential Katie McCabe went agonisingly close to an equaliser and once again with her left foot. McCabe beat the ball with a free kick on the edge of the box. Christensen decided to leave it with the ball inching just past the far post.
Having had to soak up a huge amount of pressure in the second half Denmark looked to kill the tie off as the game entered the final ten minutes
Bruun had a glorious chance to double her sides lead when she almost got onto the end of a deep cross from Nadim but Moloney did brilliantly to close the Danish striker down and save low down at her feet. A busy evening for Maloney but a really solid nights work wit a few brilliant saves when needed in the second half.
With two minutes left Harder should have sealed the win for Denmark picking up the ball unmarked on the edge of the D. The Chelsea star uncharacteristically got her shot all wrong blazing her effort well wide from close range
Another great chance that was almost identical to her first fell to Emily Whelan close to goal in the final minute but the striker could only find the side netting as the final whistle sounded
A battling effort from Ireland with a much better second half from Vera Pauw’s side. Ireland showed real conviction and intent in their performance in the second half with McCabe going closest on two occasions for Ireland but couldn’t find that equalizer. A trip to Belgium for Ireland now with another friendly to play on Sunday against a Belgian side ranked 17th in the world.
Republic of Ireland Women: Grace Moloney; Louise Quinn, Keeva Keenan (Aine O'Gorman 72), Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell; Denise O'Sullivan, Katie McCabe, Jamie Finn, Megan Connolly (Ellen Molloy 60); Heather Payne (Emily Whelan 46), Amber Barrett (Rianna Jarrett 60).
Subs not used: Claire Walsh, Claire O'Riordan, Hayley Nolan, Alli Murphy, Kyra Carusa, Courtney Brosnan, Eve Badana.
Denmark Women: Lene Christensen; Sonne Troelsgaard, Sofie Svava, Rikke Sevecke, Simone Boye Sorensen; Sofie Junge, Signe Bruun, Katrine Veje; Nicoline Sorensen, Nadia Nadim (Stine Larsen 80), Pernille Harder.
Subs not used: Sara Thrige, Frederikke Thogersen, Katherine Svane, Emma Snerle, Olivia Moller Holdt, Caroline Moller, Kathrine Larsen, Katherine Kuhl, Sara Holmgaard, Josefine Hasbo, Luna Gevitz, Nonna Christiansen.
Referee: Louise Thompson.
