Ireland had to settle for second best against Slovakia in the second round of the Istria Women’s Cup in Croatia today (Friday).
The women in green suffered a two-nil defeat at the hands of the opposition after a few defensive errors left their goal vulnerable.
Despite being in control of much of the possession and having created a number of good chances, it was two goals in the 51st and 72nd minutes respectively that allowed Slovakia to push on to victory.
Their first goal came from a number of defensive lapses which saw a block by Lucia Suskova on a Campbell clearance ricochet into the net.
This was followed by a looping shot from Veronika Klechova that although net minder Niamh Reid Burke attempted to punch away, the ball flew straight up into the air before bouncing into the net.
Aine O’Gorman & Niamh Fahey speak to FAItv from Football Association of Ireland on Vimeo.
Playing into a gale force wind in the second half did not help matters for Ireland, who had previously finished one-all with Hungary on Wednesday.
Squad manager Sue Ronan, who is using the friendly tournament to prepare for the side’s European Championship qualifying campaign, is hoping to give all 21 players a run throughout the competition.
“It’s very disappointing to think that we have dominated two games in terms of possession and chances created yet only have one point to show for it,” Ronan said afterwards.
“However, the purpose of this week is to learn and we have learned valuable lessons that hopefully will serve us well in the future.
“We’re all disappointed right now, but we will regroup over the next few days and be ready for Austria on Monday,” she concluded.
Republic of Ireland: Niamh Reid-Burke, Meabh De Burca, Niamh Fahey, Megan Campbell, Sophie Perry, Ruesha Littlejohn, Emma Beckett, Ciara Grant, Aine O’Gorman, Fiona O’Sullivan, Stephanie Roche. Subs used: Denise O’Sullivan, Diane Caldwell, Julie Ann Russell and Carol Breen.
