First-half goal denies Republic of Ireland WU19s against Germany

THE Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 19 side went down 1-0 to Germany in their opening UEFA Women’s Under 19 European Championships elite qualifying round group game.

Dave Connell’s side produced a strong defensive performance in Tallaght Stadium last night, where Vikoria Schwalm’s first-half strike collected all three points for Germany.

Mayo representatives Jessica Nolan and Rachel Kearns both played their part in the game. Nolan was on from the start before being replaced on 81 minutes, while Kearns was introduced on 72 minutes as Ireland pushed on in search of an equaliser.

The Germany goal came on 31 minutes as the hosts failed to fully clear and Lina Hauslcke's chipped pass was slotted past Ireland 'keeper Amanda McQuillan by Viktoria Schwalm.

McQuillan produced a super save to stop and hold Isabella Hartig’s edge of the box free kick one minute before half-time, while Nina Ehegotz rattled McQuillan’s crossbar on 51 minutes.

However, Ireland had Germany on the back foot for many periods in the second half and Jamie Finn went close when, after linking with Roma McLaughlin, she fired a shot just over the bar.

In the final minute Ireland had claims for a penalty when German captain Michaela Specht bundled substitute Kearns over. However, the claims were waved away.

The opening round results leave Ireland in fourth place in the group after Azerbaijan drew 1-1 with Poland in the other fixture. Ireland face Azerbaijan in their second game on Thursday in Tallaght Stadium at 7.30 p.m.