IRELAND’S WOMEN ENDED their involvement in the Istria Cup on a high yesterday by defeating Costa Rica in Croatia.
Houston Dash striker Stephanie Roche, who finished second in this year’s Puskas Award, continued her knack of producing top class finishes with a 25-yard dipping volley on 21 minutes.
It may not be in the same bracket as her world famous goal, but it’s a superb strike nevertheless.
“I gave Denise (O’Sullivan) a shout because it was on my better foot coming onto it,” Roche told the FAI’s Gerry McDermott afterwards. “Luckily enough she left it for me and I was able to get it out of my feet and get a shot.”
Defender Megan Campbell doubled the lead for Sue Ronan’s side on 30 minutes and substitute goalkeeper Niamh Reid Burke came off the bench to replace injured captain Emma Byrne and keep out a penalty with her first save.
The Central Americans did pull one back on 53 minutes but the game ended in victory for the Girls in Green.
After a draw with Hungary and defeat at the hands of Slovakia, manager Ronan was pleased to have finally secured a win: “I think the girls deserved that win for the way they have played this week.”
