Spain 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland women’s Under-19s began their 2024 UEFA European Championships campaign with a brilliant 0-0 draw against holders Spain.
The Group B clash in Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje in Lithuania saw Ireland dig in with goalkeeper Katie Keane making 12 saves over the 90 minutes.
Spain had 29 shots in total with Dave Connell’s side failing to register a single effort as they focused on securing a point.
Attacker Daniela Agote proved to be a constant threat with her combination of pace and skill, while Daniela Arques was in charge of set-pieces and kept the Irish defence on high alert throughout.
Athlone Town stopper Keane did brilliantly to deny Pau with a diving save early on before shutting out Agote, Adriana Ranera and Cris Libran as Spain heaped the pressure on.
The tactical discipline that Ireland showed was hugely impressive and matched by an incredible workrate as they continued to fight for every ball.
It is just second time that the Ireland have competed in this tournament and the first since 2014 when they reached the semi-finals.
Connell’s players face Germany on Thursday before the final group match with Netherlands on Sunday.
Spain: Eunate Astralaga; Noemi (Pau Rubio 75), Aicha Camara, Adriana Ranera, Judit Pujois; Ainhoa Alguacll, Daniela Arques, Cris Libran; Daniela Agote (Marisa 75), Barbara Lopez (Intza Eguiguren 46), Pau (Raquel Gil Villar 84).
Republic of Ireland: Katie Keane; Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Eve Dossen, Aoife Kelly, Jodie Loughrey; Jess Fitzgerald (Hannah Healy 65), Sophie Morrin (Mary Phillips 78); Ellen Dolan, Joy Ralph (Rola Olusola 87), Lia O’Leary.
Referee: Michalina Diakow (Poland).
Watch Republic of Ireland v Germany in the UEFA Women’s U19 Championship on Thursday from 11.50am on RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player
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