Portugal 1
Ireland 2
IRELAND BOUNCED BACK from an early setback to open their Euro 2017 qualifying account with a hard-fought victory over Portugal in Moreira de Conegos.
Sue Ronan’s side found themselves behind after Carole Costa drew first blood for the hosts but Ireland showed great character and resolve to score twice before the break and then hold onto their lead.
Louise Quinn struck half-way through the first period to bring the visitors level and then Aine O’Gorman completed the comeback five minutes before the interval.
Ireland survived a couple of late scares to earn their first points of the campaign after an opening game defeat to Finland in Group 2.
Next up is a home tie against Spain in Tallaght on 26 November.
Portugal: Morais; Fidalgo (Fernandes 82), Rebelo, Costa, I Silva; Malho (Pinto 71), D Silva; Borges, Neto, J Silva; C Mendes (Luis 71).
Republic of Ireland: Emma Byrne; Sophie Perry, Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Megan Campbell (Stephanie Roche 45+5); Ruesha Littlejohn, Karen Duggan (Diane Caldwell 33), Denise O’Sullivan: Julie Ann Russell, Aine O’Gorman, Katie McCabe (Meabh De Burca 84).
Referee: Gyöngyi Gaál (Hungary).
