UEFA Womens U19 first phase qualifier Republic of Ireland 3-0 Croatia Murphy 9, 29 Klaric (o.g.) 68
The Republic of Ireland Womens Under-19 side began their UEFA Championship first qualifying phase in emphatic fashion by beating mini-group hosts Croatia in Samobor today (Saturday).
A first-half brace by Shelby Murphy put Ireland in command and a third goal through a Croatian own goal sealed an important victory for Sue Ronan's charges.
The result means another win for Ireland in their second game on Monday against the Faroe Islands, who lost 1-0 to Finland in today's other Group 1 encounter, will secure them a place in the Elite qualifying stage with a game to spare.
American-born Shelby Murphy was the key player for Ireland in the first-half as her pace and skill on the wing tormented Croatia.
Following a couple of early forays into the box, Murphy grabbed the opener on nine minutes after cutting in from the flank and unleashing a superb shot high into the far corner of the net.
Julieanne Russell and Ealish Murray both went close with efforts as the girls in green upped the tempo but Murphy made no mistake on 29 minutes for the second goal when she seized upon the loose ball and smashed home from close range.
Ireland were in cruise control but allowed the pace to dip after the break paving the way for Croatia to enjoy more into the play.
The loss of Ireland mainstays Ealish Murray and Megan Campbell through injury early in the second half was a factor though they did underline their supremacy with a third goal 20 minutes from time as a cross by Eilish Ward sliced off Klaric and flew beyond Martinčević in the home sides goal.
Ireland manager Sue Ronan was glad to kick-off the campaign with a positive result. She said: "It was great to get a win in our first game, though the second-half performance could have been better.
"Shelby Murphy took her two first-half goals well and Croatia did not really trouble us throughout the game.
"The pace did drop in the second half but I do not think the players are fully acclimatised to the heat yet. From that perspective, the rustiness is probably gone now and, hopefully, we will be better going into Mondays match against the Faroe Islands."
Republic of Ireland: Aisling Dyer; Campbell, Zoe Murphy, Nolan, Walsh,; Duggan, Grant, Murray, Russell; Shelby Murphy, Bilson. Substitutes: Ward for Campbell and Stephanie Murphy for Murray (both 48 mins), Doherty for Bilson (69 mins)
UEFA Womens U19 Championship, first qualifying phase: 19 September 2009 Republic of Ireland 3-0 Croatia Sports Centre, Samobor (CRO)
21 September 2009 Republic of Ireland v Faroe Islands Kick-off: 4.30 (local time) SRC Velika Gorika, Velika Gorica (CRO)
24 September 2009 Republic of Ireland v Finland Kick-off: 4.30 (local time) Sports Centre, Samobor (CRO). |