|
21.03.2010 at 15:00 Ness Ziona Stadium
|
Attendance: |
|
Referee: |
World Cup Qualifier-match |
The Republic of Ireland senior women's side gave their World Cup qualifying campaign a massive boost today by defeating Israel 3-0 at the at the Ness Ziona Stadium in Israel. Chicago Red Stars striker, Fiona O'Sullivan bagged two impressive goals and Michele O'Brien sealed the victory with a third which puts Noel King's side right back into contention in group 6 before they host third placed, Switzerland in Dublin later this month.
In truth, the Irish looked comfortable from start to finish and they almost grabbed a goal from the first attack of the game when Michele O'Brien broke down the left-hand side and crossed to the on-rushing Áine O'Gorman who volleyed over the bar.
While the Irish enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the final third, Israeli goalkeeper, Iris Avraham was in superb form as she kept Irish strikers, Stephanie Roche and Fiona O'Sullivan at bay with a number of fine saves.
Ireland may have felt hard done-by in the 21st minute when a goal-bound Michele O'Brien shot was blocked by an Israeli defender inside the box and despite the Irish protests for a handball, referee, Ann-Helen Ostervold waved away the appeals.
The Irish midfield quartet of O'Brien, Grant, Hughes and O'Gorman were in inspiring form as they bossed their Israeli counterparts in the middle of the park. The Irish took the lead in the 32nd minute through Fiona O'Sullivan following a neat build up when Ciara Grant claimed the ball in midfield and played a swift pass to O'Brien at the edge of the area. She applied a neat touch to put the Chicago Red Stars striker through on goal and she coolly passed the ball into the net, beyond the helpless keeper.
The Irish had a number of chances to double their lead before the break as Stephanie Roche's volley was saved following a long range shot from Ciara Grant which cannoned off the post. Fiona O'Sullivan, who was causing all sorts of problems for the defence almost scored with a fantastic solo effort as she beat two players in the box but her shot screwed inches wide.
The Irish started the second half with the same urgency as the first and they were rewarded instantly as Stephanie Roche swung in a corner from the right and the powerful Fiona O'Sullivan held off her marker and headed the ball forcefully into the back of the net from close range after 49 minutes.
It was back to the walls for the Israeli defence as their goal was peppered with shots as defender, Yvonne Tracy, Fiona O'Sullivan and Áine O'Gorman had a number of chances to extend the lead further.
The Irish sealed the win in the 70th minute when a pin-point free-kick from the right was swung in by Stephanie Roche to the head of the unmarked Michele O'Brien who neatly nodded past the keeper into the left bottom corner of the net.
This impressive victory now leaves Ireland level on points with group leaders, Russia and three points ahead of Switzerland who visit Richmond Park on Wednesday, March 31st for what will be a crucial group 6 qualifier. Switzerland, who do have two games in hand will have the chance to go level on points with Ireland and Russia as they play host to Israel next Wednesday.
Following away trips to Switzerland, Russia, Kazakhstan and Israel so far in this campaign, Noel King's side now play their remaining three games at home against Switzerland, Russia and Israel leaving the side with a fighting chance for an elusive place in the World Cup play-off's should they top the group ahead of Russia and Switzerland. |
|
|
