Gina Bagnulo reporting from the Aviva Stadium
England crushed Irish hopes of a home victory at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, defeating them 2-0.
Ireland’s second Euro Qualifier against their neighbours across the water was a meaningful one. Indeed, the Aviva Stadium, a ground they had only played in once before, was filled with over 330, people cheering on the girls in green.
Nonetheless, England made it clear in the first few minutes that they were not going to be an easy opponent to beat. Despite Ireland’s impressive promotion to League A, giving them a shot at Euro participation, England remained the same team that won the last Women’s Euros in 2022 and came in second place in the World Cup in 2023.
Watching this on repeat! 💪
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Eleven minutes after the starting whistle, England’s Lauren James scored after capitalising on a cross by Kiera Walsh. Seven minutes later, much to Ireland’s dismay, England were awarded a penalty when a handball was done by Ruesha Littlejohn. Alex Greenwood then scored the second goal of the evening.
After a 1-1 tie against Sweden and a victory against Ireland, England seem to be making their way to the top of this League A group. England coach Sarina Wiegman who is one of the most well regarded managers in the world, spoke to English and Irish media about her team’s performance.
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“I think this was a totally different game against a totally different opponent, also very physical. But they really let us make the game. I think in the first half, we were totally dominating, we were up two but we should've been up more. That was the difference in that first half.
“We should’ve been more tactful on the ball, more secure to really create a big chance. Right before the chance sometimes we were a little sloppy, although I think they think we played well.”
Noticeable changes were made to the lineup such as Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton being the keeper choice for this game as opposed to the expected Mary Earps.
“Mary has been really consistent for us. Hannah is also competing and improved a lot”, said Wiegman on her goalie choice. “I felt this was a game that gave her the opportunity to play and I had to trust she could do a good job.”
Wiegman was not short of praise for Ireland and commended them as a formidable opponent throughout the match.
“As a team, they’re just really strong, really organised and play with physical rules, and going forward very quickly.”
Ireland did not give up and remained determined to put up a fight right up until the end of the match. A cross by Louise Quinn created the perfect opportunity for a goal although Ireland were too late to the ball. Captain Katie McCabe also took several shots on goal and even stood in front of the England keeper Hampton to get a point.
70' | 0-2
Twenty minutes left, let’s push some more 👊#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/4Ixn268ufp— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 9, 2024
One thing is for certain: in the end Ireland played with passion on home soil against the world’s number two.
