Ice Queens’ hot display comes up short
The Republic of Ireland Women’s U17s ran out of luck yesterday as they fell to a narrow defeat to Switzerland at the Uefa Women’s Euro Championships in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Requiring a victory to bounce back in Group B — following last Monday’s loss to France — Dave Connell’s side couldn’t be accused of lacking effort as they gave it everything. They played the better football too and created several chances on goal, but a wonder strike from Alisha Lehmann undid the hard work of a side known as the Ice Queens.
“It was another narrow defeat, but we definitely should have got something out of the game. We created a lot of chances, but we just didn’t take them on the day and you’re punished at this level for that and that’s unfortunately what happened,” said Connell.
“There have been some wonderful individual performances in our two games, while we played well as a team today. It took a wonderful goal from Switzerland to win it, but the future really looks bright for a lot of our girls.”
An early chance for Eleanor Ryan Doyle brought the best out of Swiss keeper Nadja Furrer before Ireland stopper Amanda McQuillan denied Geraldine Reuteler with an excellent save. Galway girl Heather Payne nearly put Ireland ahead on 32 minutes, after Roma McLaughlin waltzed through the Swiss midfield and slid a pass into her, but the youngster’s shot drifted wide.
Bright in their play and dangerous on the counter attack, Ireland should have taken the lead, but it was Switzerland who did when Lehmann blasted into the top corner from long range.
Three excellent goalscoring chances then fell to Ryan Doyle, Sarah McKevitt, and Saoirse Noonan, but the trio were all unfortunate not to score as Connell’s side continued to fight back.
Lady Luck did not smile for Ireland, but they will now look to end the tournament on a high when they face Norway on Sunday at 2pm, Irish time.
McQuillan; Donnelly, Finn, Moloney, Nolan; Daly, McLaughlin, Noonan; McKevitt (McCartan 76), Ryan Doyle (Prior 71), Payne (Beirne 64).
Furrer; Felder, Humi, Kaufmann, Megroz; Hofmann, Jenzer; Dubs (Stampfli h-t), Lienhard (Staffoni 74, Barth 90+3), Lehmann; Reuteler.
P Graziella (Italy).
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