The Ireland Women’s Under-17s had a hard start to Round 2 of their UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship campaign as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to eight-time champions Germany in Kristinbergs IP, Stockholm.

Ireland conceded a late goal in the first half and couldn’t find a way to the back of the net for the remainder of the match until Marie Kleemann made their task even more difficult, with a second goal for her side in the 81st minute.

The Girls in Green had opportunities to pull back control of the game, such as a chance from Madison McGuane in the latter part of the second half but German goalkeeper Mirja Kropp was there to make sure they kept a clean sheet.

This is just the first match of Round 2 of the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship Qualifiers, but Ireland will have to dig deep in order top Group A1 after this defeat.

Ireland: Lucy Doyle Farrington; Lara Dallaghan, Amelia Fahey, Emma Mooney, Ava Hallinan; Tess Finn (Alex Devoy 86), Madison McGuane; Halle Harcourt (Alice Buggle 86), Sophie Byrne (Abbie Duffy 67), Hailey Twomey (Ellen Goggin 86); Kassie McLoughlin (Ciara Milton 67).

UEFA EUROPEAN WU17 CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2 QUALIFIERS
Group A1
Friday, February 27th | Ireland WU17 0-2 Germany WU17 | Kristinebergs IP, Stockholm | KO 13:00
Monday, March 2nd | Denmark WU17 v Ireland WU17 | Kristinebergs IP, Stockholm | KO 13:00
Thursday, March 5th | Sweden WU17 v Ireland WU17 | Kristinebergs IP, Stockholm | KO 18:00