Ireland U19s get campaign off to flier against Iceland

Uefa U19 qualifier: Ireland 4 Iceland 1

A second-half fightback helped Ireland Women’s Under-19s record a 4-1 victory over Iceland in Croatia in their opening UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group fixture.

Dave Connell’s team fell behind on 36 minutes when Vigdis Kristjansdottir netted but they got back into it courtesy of an own goal from Sigdis Bardardottir on 56 minutes. Then Jodie Loughrey, Hannah Healy and Joy Ralph got one apiece to seal the win.

Impressive Ireland could have been two goals ahead early on when Shamrock Rovers duo Ralph and Lia O’Leary went close with efforts.

Knowing that they need to top Group A2 in order to qualify for this summer’s finals tournament in Lithuania, the Girls in Green responded positively to conceding the first goal.

A corner kick from O’Leary caused havoc in the Iceland penalty area and Bardardottir unfortunately put the ball into her own net to level the scores.

From there Ireland shifted up a gear with their pressing and passing. Sligo Rovers ace Loughrey put them ahead on 63 minutes when she executed from close range following another inswinging corner kick.

Substitute Healy was next to light up the scoreboard when she converted on 72 minutes before Ralph wrapped things up with a finish on 79 minutes to make it a very good day for Ireland.

Next up is a clash on Saturday with Austria who overcame Croatia 8-1 in the Group’s other game.

IRELAND: Katie Keane; Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Aoife Kelly, Eve Dossen, Jodie Loughrey (Hannah Healy 64); Sophie Morrin (Freya Healy 78), Jess Fitzgerald; Ellen Dolan, Joy Ralph (Rola Olusola 86), Lia O’Leary.

ICELAND: Sigurborg Sveinbjornsdottir; Sigdis Bardardottir, Sigridur Gudmundsdottir, Idunn Gunnarsdottir, Harpa