Belgium too good for Ireland in opening Under-19 Euro qualifier

Belgium U-19 2-0 Republic of Ireland U-19

A goal in each half saw Belgium secure a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in the opening game of Group A6 in the European Championship Under-19 qualifiers.

Played at the National Training Centre in Tubize, Belgium, Dave Connell's team had their moments, but Belgium's clinical edge proved to be the difference.

Belgium showed their class when Thirsa De Meester fired them ahead on 18 minutes, with Aurélie Reynders putting a gloss on the scoreline in added time.

Ireland shot-stopper Katie Keane was kept busy, but the Girls in Green had chances of their own through Lia O'Leary, Jess Fitzgerald and Jodie Loughrey.

They will quickly turn their attention to Saturday's game against Faroe Islands, who lost to the Netherlands, in order to get off the mark in the group.

Belgium: Lise Musique; Saar Janssen, Axelle Van Besauw, Caitlin Lievens, Kimberly Scohier; Nadege Francois (Lena Hubaut 46), Aurelie Reynders, Margaux Martle (Yara Tassens 85); Thirsa De Meester (Gvantsa Tabagari 90), Veronique Zang Bikoula (Romane Jadoulle 63), Zarah Taillieu (Pia Bosmans 63).

Ireland: Katie Keane; Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Eve Dossen, Lia O'Leary (Sophie Morrin 81); Jodie Loughrey (Aoibhe Fleming 61), Aoife Kelly, Jess Fitzgerald (Rola Olusola 81); Ellen Dolan, Joy Ralph (Ceola Bergin 61), Hannah Healy (Freya Healy 70).

Referee: Jelena Medjedovic (Serbia).