WOMEN'S SOCCER: UNDER-17 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: Spain 0 Republic of Ireland 0:AFTER A gruelling 80 minutes of normal time, followed by 20 of extra-time, the Republic of Ireland's resistance was finally broken by Spain in the penalty shoot-out that decided Saturday's Uefa European Under-17 Championship final in Switzerland.
The Spanish had the better of a game played in temperatures reaching the high 80s.
Irish goalkeeper Grace Moloney and her defence, who had kept the Germans scoreless in the semi-finals, once again proved impossible to break down, but it was Spanish goalkeeper Dolores Gallardo who produced the vital saves in the shoot-out, keeping out Ireland’s first two efforts, from Rianna Jarrett and Jessica Gleeson. Spain converted all four of their penalties.
While Denise OSullivan and Aileen Gilroy had both tested Gallardo during normal time it was the Spanish who created the bulk of the chances.
“My reaction is one of pride and delight in the performance of the Irish team,” said manager Noel King. “We rode our luck a few times but I couldnt ask for any more from that bunch of Irish girls. They were brave, honest and skilful.”
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:Grace Moloney, Ciara O'Brien, Megan Campbell, Jessica Gleeson, Jennifer Byrne, Ciara Grant, Aileen Gilroy, Dora Gorman (capt), Denise O'Sullivan, Siobhan Killeen, Stacie Donnelly. Subs:Niamh McLaughlin for Killeen (69 mins), Rianna Jarrett for Gilroy (98 mins), Harriet Scott for Campbell (49 mins).
