31.03.2012 at 15:00 FK Srem, Jakovo
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Attendance: |
Serbia |
2 - 0
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Ireland Under 19 |
Referee: Zuzana Kováčová |
European Elite Round-match |
Jelena Cankovic 75 mins |
None. |
Jovana Damnjanović 69 mins,90 mins |
None. |
Women's Under-19 UEFA elite stage qualifier
Serbia 2-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland face an uphill struggle to reach the Undrer-19 European Championships after losing their elite stage qualifier against mini-group hosts Serbia on Saturday.
Both nations had their chances to score before the deadlock was eventually broken by the home side on 76 minutes. Ireland were caught on the counter-attack for a killer second goal on the stroke of full-time.
With only the top side from the four-nation group clinching a spot at the European Championships in July to be held in Turkey, Ireland must beat Switzerland on Monday to revive their qualification ambitions. Denmark, who beat the Swiss 3-0 on Saturday, are Ireland's opponents for the final game on Thursday.
The opening hour of the contest entailed both teams cancelling each other out but the breakthrough finally came 14 minutes from time.
Jelena Čanković, on as substitute after an hour, brought the home crowd to their feet by popping up the back post to sidefoot a cross past the helpless Ireland goalkeeper Grace Moloney.
Ireland pushed on for an equaliser, with substitute Claire Shine at the hub of their attack. Put clear on goal, the Cork player lifted the ball over the crossbar and, minutes later, she was denied from close range after a defender scampered back to produce a goal-line clearance.
As Ireland gambled in attack, space emerged in their defence. Serbia took full advantage to break away in stoppage time and notch a second through Jovana Damnjanović to see off Dave Connell's side.
Serbia U19 Women: Stojaković; Djordjević, Savanović, Bobić, Krstić; Ilić (Popov 85), N. Damnjanović, J. Damnjanović; Pešić (Čanković 59), Čubrilo (Trisic 90), I. Damnjanović
Republic of Ireland U19 Women: G. Maloney; Murphy, Gleeson (Mustaki 82), Byrne, Farmer; Grant (Shine 84), Gorman, Hansbury; McCabe (Jarrett 73), Gilroy, Killeen.
Referee: Zuzana Kováčová (Slovakia). |
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