Ireland U17s heading home after losing out to Japanese

THE Republic of Ireland women’s U17 side were defeated 2-1 by a strong Japanese side in the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup quarter-final in Trinidad on Friday night.

Ireland’s World Cup hopes were dented in the 34th minute when Canadian referee, Michelle Pye gifted a penalty to Japan as Maomoto duly converted.

But Ireland hit back in the 53rd minute through Denise O’Sullivan who was in sensational form for the Irish throughout.

However, Japan’s top goal scorer, Yokohama was on-hand in the 67th minute to score a marvellous goalto send Japan through to the World Cup semi-final.

Ireland now face the long journey home after a tremendous World Cup campaign of which they can be incredibly proud.