Korea DPR 2 - 0 Republic of Ireland | 2017 - Senior Women's Friendlies | 999943512

Senior Women's Friendlies Cyprus Cup, 3rd/4th Match | AEK Stadium, Larnaca, Cyprus

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Korea DPR 2 - 0 Republic of Ireland

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REPORT: Korea DPR 2-0 WNT - Fourth spot in Cyprus

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team claimed fourth place in the Cyprus Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Korea DPR.

8th Mar 2017

Colin Bell's side fought vailantly against the highest-ranked team in the competition but conceded late goals from Wi Jong Sim and Kim Ryu Song.

The result sees the Women's National Team finish fourth in the Cyprus Cup tournament, their highest-ever finish in Colin Bell's first four games as Head Coach.

Ireland were defensive throughout much of the contest as the dangerous Kim Phyong Hwa was denied by the post in the 9th minute and she was denied again by Emma Byrne with a fantastic diving save two minutes after the break.

Ireland had few chances as Katie McCabe's 20-yard effort sailed over the bar in the 51st minute before Stephanie Roche's central free-kick was easily saved with 30 minutes remaining.

North Korea continued to increase the pressure and with 15 minutes remaining, Wi Jong Sim's cross floated over Emma Byrne and into the top corner to give the Koreans the lead.

Five minutes from the end, with Ireland pushing forward, Kim Ryu Song found space and rifled an incredible 30-yard shot into the top right-hand corner to seal the game for the Koerans.

WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: "It's a difficult result to take, we should have got something out of the game.

"We were always going to have to be defensive against a side who play the way they do but we did that brilliantly for 75 minutes. Both goals are preventable and the players know that.

"We can do better and even though, we've had a good tournament, I know the players can do more as we can continue to work with each other in the future.

"Once again, the players have put in a fantastic effort, like they have all week and the players can be really proud of what they've achieved as they've represented their country brilliantly this week.

"It gives me great hope for the future that the longer we work together, the more we can push this team forward to some real success."

Republic of Ireland: Byrne (GK), O'Gorman (Berrill 90), Caldwell, Quinn, Scott, Duggan, Roche (Shine 90), O'Sullivan (Murray 90), McCabe, Connolly, Kiernan (Littlejohn 85).

Substitutes Not Used: Hourihan (GK), McQuillan (GK), McCarthy, McLaughlin, O'Riordan.

McCabe sets sights on unbeaten third spot

Republic of Ireland forward Katie McCabe has set her sights on finishing in third place at the Cyprus Cup following her match-winner against Wales....

8th Mar 2017

The Women's National Team have enjoyed a fantastic Cyprus Cup tournament so far, with wins over Wales and Czech Republic, and a draw against Hungary.

The results saw Ireland top Group C which means they've qualified for the 3rd/4th placed match against North Korea, who were the highest-placed second team from Group's A and B.

Reflecting on her excellent finish against the Welsh, McCabe has praised the quality of the 60-yard pass from Diane Caldwell and lauded the team effort.

McCabe said: "It's always a tough game against Wales. We played them twice in a double header last August and got a win and a draw so we knew we could do well.

"We were really focused on what we had to do and played it out. It was a fantastic ball from Diane and the least I could do is finish it off.

"It is just a fantastic team effort. I just seem to be on the end of those moves against Wales and it is all about getting the results in the end."

Not only have Ireland topped the group but have also kept three clean sheets in Colin Bell's first three matches as Head Coach.

The Arsenal Ladies forward believes the amount of games in a short amount of time has been a great way to learn Bell's style of play with their fourth game in a week tomorrow.

The 21-year old continued: "It is really important for us to get clean sheets as that is the foundation of a good result. We've got the ability going forward with the likes of Aine, Steph, Megan Connolly and Denise.

"It's been great, we didn't have a lot of training session with him coming into the Cyprus Cup but games are great because you can learn in the situation.

"I'm sure he is learning a lot from us. What he tells us to do on the training pitch, we're taking it into the game and it's getting us results.

"We've got clean sheets, undefeated and we've topped the group so it's been great so far."

Having played nearly every minute of the tournament, McCabe says she is feeling good ahead of tomorrow's test against North Korea where Ireland will focus on themselves.

She added: "I'm feeling good, we're all feeling good. We're all at different stages of fitness at the moment as some players are in season and some are in pre-season.

"We're focused on North Korea. We know they'll be a good passing and technical side but we've got to focus on ourselves and how we're going to score goals. We're determined to finish third and I'm pretty confident we can do it."

Next Game

Republic of Ireland v North Korea
08/03/2017, 12.30 GMT
Larnaca, Cyprus Cup