The Ireland Women's Under-19s secured a deserved point in a 0-0 draw with Spain in their first game in the 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 European Championships.
The task of coming up against the current holders of the trophy was always going be a difficult one but Ireland showed resilience to hold off a strong Spanish side.
Goalkeeper Katie Keane was in superb form to record a clean sheet with Spain registering 12 shots on target.
Attacker Daniela Agote proved to be a constant threat with her combination of pace and skill, while Daniela Arques was in charge of set-pieces and kept the Irish defence on high alert throughout.
Athlone Town stopper Keane did brilliantly to deny Pau with a diving save early on before shutting out Agote, Adriana Ranera and Cris Libran as Spain heaped the pressure on.
A huge result for our WU19’s, earning a draw against Spain! 👏
Great scenes at the end 🤩#COYGIG | #U19WEURO pic.twitter.com/xj1Kea9U5q— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 15, 2024
The tactical discipline that Ireland showed was hugely impressive and matched by an incredible work-rate as they continued to fight for every ball and scrap to earn a first point in Group B.
Ireland will now look to Thursday's meeting with last year's runners-up Germany as they attempt to secure a place in the semi-finals - and beyond.
Spain: Eunate Astralaga; Noemi (Pau Rubio 75), Aicha Camara, Adriana Ranera, Judit Pujois; Ainhoa Alguacll, Daniela Arques, Cris Libran; Daniela Agote (Marisa 75), Barbara Lopez (Intza Eguiguren 46), Pau (Raquel Gil Villar 84).
Ireland: Katie Keane; Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Eve Dossen, Aoife Kelly, Jodie Loughrey; Jess Fitzgerald (Hannah Healy 65), Sophie Morrin (Mary Phillips 78); Ellen Dolan, Joy Ralph (Rola Olusola 87), Lia O'Leary.
Referee: Michalina Diakow (Poland).
Fixtures / Results
Monday, July 15th | Spain 0-0 Ireland, Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje, KO 12:00
Thursday, July 18th | Ireland v Germany, Jonava City Stadium, KO 12:00
Sunday, July 21st | Ireland v Netherlands, Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje, KO 12:00
