Longford’s Melissa O’Kane in action for Ireland in defeat against Germany

Germany . . . 5     Republic of Ireland . . . 0 

Goals from Alara Sehitler, Mara Alber, Marie Steiner and a brace from Loreen Bender was the difference between the sides in Jessheim, Norway, despite Ireland dominating large spells of possession.

 Head Coach Dave Connell knew the task of qualification would be a tough one with Ireland drawn against European heavyweights Germany, Norway (the hosts) and Croatia.

 The first half was a cagey affair with Ireland going toe-to-toe with their German counterparts. Ireland limited Germany to half chances with Summer Lawless in the Irish goal rarely tested.

 Ireland had the first clear-cut chance of the half in the 35th minute. Sligo Rovers’ Emma Doherty crossed for Lia O’Leary, who was unmarked at the back post, but the Shamrock Rovers’ forward couldn’t convert the attempt on goal.

 It would prove costly as three-minutes later Germany were ahead through Bayern Münich striker Sehitler. The 16-year old took advantage of a mistake at the back to fire her team in front just before half time.

 In the second half it was Ireland that were more dominant with their play and looked the most likely to score next. However, Germany capitalised on another mistake in the Irish backline in the 66th minute, this time Hoffenheim’s Alber finding the net to give Germany a two-goal cushion.

 Two late goals from Loreen Bender ended the game as a contest. First the Eintracht Frankfurt forward was put in on goal to make it 3-0 in the 86th minute, then two minutes she was left free at the back post to head home for 4-0.

 Ireland did have a chance deep into stoppage time when Galway United’s Rosa Olusola met Doherty’s cross but her effort cannoned off the woodwork.

 Hoffenheim’s Steiner made if 5-0 with virtually the last kick of the game when she tapped in at the far post.

 Republic of Ireland: Lawless, O’Kane, Villiers-Tuthill, K.Thompson, Russell (Olusola, 72), Herron, Doherty (C), O’Leary (Pullin, 90), Mangan, Morrin (O’Mahony, 72), J.Thompson (Slattery, 55).

 Germany: Beck, Gloning, Axtmann, Diehm (C), D. Acikgöz, I. Acikgöz, Janzen, Sehitler (Steiner, 69), Bartz, Kett (Bender, 54), Alber

 Referee: Ainara Acevedo (Spain). 

 2023 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship – Round 2 Qualifiers

April 8 | Norway WU19  v Ireland WU19, Jessheim Stadium, Norway, KO 4pm

April 11 | Croatia WU19 v Ireland WU19,  Gjemselund, Norway, KO 4pm