
Republic of Ireland 0 - 3 Spain

Ireland WU19: Spain prove too strong in Elite Round finale

Dave Connell’s side needed to win the game to advance to the Tournament Finals in Scotland, but the reigning European champions proved too strong in Santiago de Compostela.
Two Spanish goals in the space of three minutes just before the half-hour proved the difference. Striker Claudia Pina scored a header from close range in the 27th minute, before she doubled the lead on 30 minutes.
Ireland’s task was made tougher minutes later, when defender Rachel Baynes was forced off with a thigh strain. She was replaced by Aoife Slattery.
Spain scored their third, minutes after the break. Striker Eva Navarro’s cross put into the Irish net by Slattery, as Connell’s side tried to get back into the game.
Despite numerous chances in the second-half, Ireland were unable to score a consolation goal.
Speaking after the game, Connell commended the team on a qualification campaign that included five wins and five clean sheets before the defeat to Spain.
“We did very well in Lithuania in the Qualifying Round and did very well over here. Today proved a bridge too far. Spain were exceptional. The better team won on the day.”
Half of the Elite Round squad are eligible to play again next year and Connell has high hopes for the squad next season.
“Hopefully this will stand to the girls next season. It’s been a pleasure working with the girls who have finished with the Under-19 team today. I hope they go on now and play with the Seniors”.
Republic of Ireland: Rachael Kelly (Erica Turner 74); Rachel Baynes (Aoife Slattery 36), Roisin McGovern, Sadhbh Doyle, Lucia Lobato; Tiegan Ruddy (Leah Brady 74), Chloe Singleton (Sinead Donovan 66), Megan Mackey (capt); Alannah McEvoy, Kelly Brady (Niamh Reynolds 66), Heather Payne.
Spain: Catalina Coll; Oihane Hernandez (Rosa Otermin 84), Laia Aleixandri (capt), Berta Pujadas, Itziar Pinillos (Olga Carmona 60); Rosa Marquez Baena, Teresa Abelleira (Silvia Rubio 74), Anna Torroda (Nerea Etizaguirre 10), Candela Andujar; Claudia Pina (Carla 74), Eva Navarro.
Referee: Tess Olofsson (SWE).
Ireland WU19: Mackey keen to make Spanish statement

Midfielder Megan Mackey (pictured above) has captained the team throughout their five consecutive Qualifying Round and Elite Round wins. She scored an excellent goal on Saturday against Serbia, and has enjoyed an impressive Elite Round so far.
"It's brilliant playing with the girls and playing well. We scored eight goals in the past two games so we're playing well. It was nice to get a goal against Serbia, but it's great to see the team playing well".
Mackey is still eligible to play with the Under-19s next season, but is enjoying the responsibility that the captain's armband brings.
"Captaining your country in an amazing thing. It's nice that Dave [Connell] trusts me and has given me these responsibilities. We have captains all over the pitch though."
After recording comfortable wins in the opening two games, Mackey is delighted to have the Spanish game on the horizon, knowing the side must win to advance.
"When the draw came out, nobody gave us a chance of beating them. They're the European champions. We all want to prove them wrong, stand up and be counted. Imagine sending a message across Europe that we've beaten the reigning champions? That would be something."
The Finals take place in Scotland in July, and Mackey has no intention of ending her international season on Tuesday evening, looking to further it by another two months.
"We want to go to the end of July. Some of these girls wont get this opportunity again next year. We have a great bond and work for each other. Hopefully the results come."
Head Coach Dave Connell has a full squad of 20-players to call on for Tuesday's game. Kick-off in Santiago de Compostela is at 17:30 Irish time.
Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19 squad
Goalkeepers: Erica Turner (DLR Waves), Rachael Kelly (Shelbourne)
Defenders: Sadhbh Doyle (Galway WFC), Roisin McGovern (DLR Waves), Rachel Baynes (Galway WFC), Aoife Slattery (Wexford Youths), Leah Brady (Galway WFC), Katie Burdis (DLR Waves)
Midfielders: Lucia Lobato (Galway WFC), Megan Mackey (Brighton & Hove Albion), Chloe Singleton (Galway WFC), Tiegan Ruddy (CCSU), Sinead Donavan (Galway WFC)
Forwards: Alannah McEvoy (Shelbourne), Carla McManus (Kilkenny United), Kelly Brady (World Class), Heather Payne (Bristol City), Niamh Reynolds (Reading) Michelle O'Driscoll (Daytona State University), Keelin McEntee (DLR Waves)
UEFA Women's Under-19 European Championship - Elite Round
03/04 - Hungary 0-4 Republic of Ireland
06/04 - Republic of Ireland 4-0 Serbia
09/04 - Republic of Ireland v Spain, San Lázaro, Santiago de Compostela, KO 18:30 (17:30 Irish time)
Tactical Lineups
Republic of Ireland
Substitutes
- 1 Erica Turner (G)
- 3 Katie Burdis
- 7 Michelle O'Driscoll
- 12 Aoife Slattery
- 14 Niamh Reynolds
- 15 Carla McManus
- 18 Leah Brady
- 19 Sinead Donovan
- 20 Keelin Mcentee
Coach
David Connell
Spain
Substitutes
- 1 María Echezarreta (G)
- 5 Laia Codina
- 7 Rosa Otermin
- 8 Olga Carmona
- 10 Nerea Eizaguirre
- 14 Silvia Rubio
- 15 Athenea del Castillo
- 19 Carla Bautista
- 20 Nerea Nevado
Coach
Pedro López
Officials
- Referee Tess Olofsson
- Assistant Referees Camilla Stendahl
- UEFA Delegate Tkach Ilona
- Assistant Referee Two Veronica Vettorel
- Fourth Official Graziella Pirriatore
- Referee Observer Galina Doneva
Match Statistics
- Republic of Ireland
- Spain
Minute by Minute Commentary