Republic of Ireland are out of contention for the UEFA U-19 Championship finals, following a 3-0 defeat by reigning champions Spain at Turner’s Cross in Cork on Thursday.
After an opening draw with Austria, the irish needed a positive result against Spain but fell behind shortly before the break and conceded twice more in the last 20 minutes.
Rosa Marquez Baena scored on 41 minutes and doubled her tally half an hour later, with Carla Bautista Piqueras completing the scoring on 77 minutes.
It had been a dominant performance by the Spanish, who produced 26 shots at goal, while Ireland were unable to produce one opportunity.
However, Ireland can still finish second in the group and play Turkey at Turner’s Cross on Sunday, 2pm kick-off.
Republic of Ireland U-19s: Naoisha McAloon, Lynn Craven, Niamh Farrelly (C), Sadhbh Doyle, Alex Kavanagh, Tiegan Ruddy (Sinead Donovan, 13), Saoirse Noonan, Megan Mackey, Lucia Lobato, Kate Mooney (Alannah McEvoy, 67), Orla Casey (Lauryn O’Callaghan, 78).
Unused Subs: Erica Turner, Chloe Singleton, Danielle Burke, Phoebe Warner, Naima Chemaou, Aoife Thompson.
