Ireland make hard work of seeing off Slovenia

Ireland 2 Slovenia 0

A long-range Julie Ann Russell goal after just two minutes could have triggered a goalrush against Group One’s basement nation but Sue Ronan’s side instead became ragged and only put the tie beyond doubt 14 minutes from time through Fiona O’Sullivan.

Ireland’s dream start arose when Denise O’Sullivan was hauled down by Anisa Rola 40 yards out on the left side. It seemed that reigning player of the year Russell would deliver a cross but she elected to shoot and looped the ball high over the stranded Lucija Mori in the visitors’ goal.