A second-half fight-back helped the Ireland Women’s Under-19s record a 4-1 victory over Iceland in their opening UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group.
Dave Connell’s team fell behind on 36 minutes when Vigdis Kristjansdottir netted but they got back into it courtesy of an own goal from Sigdis Bardardottir on 56 minutes. Then Jodie Loughrey, Hannah Healy and Joy Ralph got one apiece to seal the win.
This was an impressive display by Ireland who could have been two goals ahead early on when Shamrock Rovers duo Ralph and Lia O’Leary went close with efforts.
Knowing that they need to top Group A2 in order to qualify for this summer’s finals tournament in Lithuania, the Girls in Green responded positively to conceding the first goal.
A corner kick from O’Leary caused all sorts of havoc in the Iceland penalty area and Bardardottir unfortunately put the ball into her own net to level the scores.
FULL-TIME | 🇮🇪 4-1 🇮🇸
Excellent win for #IRLWU19 in opening EURO Qualifier with Jodie Loughrey, Hannah Healy & Joy Ralph on target.#COYGIG pic.twitter.com/iiZA5QCDHj
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 3, 2024
From there Ireland shifted up a gear with their pressing and passing. Sligo Rovers ace Loughrey put them ahead on 63 minutes when she executed from close range following another inswinging corner kick.
Substitute Healy was next to light up the scoreboard when she converted on 72 minutes before Ralph wrapped things up with a finish on 79 minutes to make it a very good day for Ireland.
Next up is a clash on Saturday with Austria who overcame Croatia 8-1 in the Group’s other game.
Ireland: Katie Keane; Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Aoife Kelly, Eve Dossen, Jodie Loughrey (Hannah Healy 64); Sophie Morrin (Freya Healy 78), Jess Fitzgerald; Ellen Dolan, Joy Ralph (Rola Olusola 86), Lia O’Leary.
Iceland: Sigurborg Sveinbjornsdottir; Sigdis Bardardottir, Sigridur Gudmundsdottir, Idunn Gunnarsdottir, Harpa Helgadottir (Johanna Elin Halldorsdottir 78); Bergdis Sveinsdottir, Isabella Tryggvadottir (Hrafnhildur Asa Halldorsdottir 66), Kimberley Hjalmarsdottir (Margret Brynja Kristinsdottir 67); Katla Tryggvadottir (Marget Lea Gisladottir 82), Vigdis Kristjansdottir, Emelia Oskarsdottir (Katrin Agustsdottir 78).
Referee: Merima Celik (Bosnia & Herzegovina).
FIXTURES
Wednesday, April 3 | Ireland 4-1 Iceland, Sv. Josip Radnik, Sesvete
Saturday, April 6 | Austria v Ireland, Sv. Josip Radnik, Sesvete, KO 11:30
Tuesday, April 9 | Croatia v Ireland, Branko Čavlović-Čavlek, Karlovac, KO 11:30
