Ireland 0
Switzerland 1
IRELAND SUFFERED THEIR second defeat of the Uefa Women’s U17 Championships in Reykjavik this afternoon as their hopes of progressing further in the tournament were ended.
Dave Connell’s side produced another fine performance but were unable to break Switzerland down with their opponents landing the knock-out blow shortly after half-time.
After losing Monday’s Group B opener to France, Ireland were positive in their approach and Eleanor Ryan-Doyle forced the Swiss goalkeeper into a fine early stop.
Ireland played with great freedom and a brilliant team move created the opening for Heather Payne but her effort was wide of the target.
Despite enjoying much of the possession in the opening period, Ireland fell behind ten minutes into the second-half. Amanda McQuillan was unable to stop Alisha Lehmann’s looping effort from range.
The setback did little to deter Ireland though and Ryan-Doyle came close to levelling proceedings shortly after and then Sarah McKevitt’s effort was stopped by Nadja Furrer.
Connell made a couple of substitutions as the minutes ticked down but Ireland were unable to force an equaliser as Switzerland held on for their first win of the tournament.
“It was another narrow defeat but we definitely should have got something out of the game,” Connell said afterwards. “We created a lot of chances but we just didn’t take them on the day and you’re punished at this level for that and that’s unfortunately what happened.”
“There have been some wonderful individual performances in our two games, while we played well as a team today.
“It took a wonderful goal from Switzerland to win it, but the future really looks bright for a lot of our girls.”
Ireland’s last game is on Sunday when they face Norway in Kópavogur at 2pm Irish time.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: McQuillan; Donnelly, Finn, Moloney, Nolan; Daly, McLaughlin, Noonan; McKevitt (McCartan 76), Ryan Doyle (Prior 71), Payne (Beirne 64).
SWITZERLAND: Furrer; Felder, Humi, Kaufmann, Megroz; Hofmann, Jenzer; Dubs (Stampfli h-t), Lienhard (Staffoni 74, Barth 90+3), Lehmann; Reuteler.
Referee: Pirriatore Graziella (Italy).
