Euro dream over for Under-17s after 4-1 Iceland defeat

Rep of Ireland U17s 1-4 Iceland U17s

The dream of reaching the Women's Under-17 European Championships has ended for the Republic of Ireland has ended after 4-1 defeat to Iceland.

Having drawn with Slovakia and lost to Finland, James Scott's team needed to win in their final game and hope that Slovakia overcame Finland. Neither of those came through.

While Finland coasted to a 4-0 victory in the UCD Bowl, Iceland proved too strong for the hosts at Tallaght Stadium, and in the process topped Group A.

Scott's team started the game well with Katie McCarn setting up Lia O'Leary, but her shot was saved by the Icelandic goalkeeper.

In the fourth minute, Ireland won a free-kick in a dangerous position. Michaela Lawrence’s effort bounced out of the goalkeeper's hands and Abbie Larkin was there to pounce on the loose ball to give Ireland an early 1-0 lead.

The lead lasted just eight minutes. An Icelandic corner was cleared, but Eyrún Embla Hjartardóttir hit the rebound from outside the box and it flew into the net.

Ireland didn’t let the equaliser affect their game, Heidi Mackin and Larkin both had great chances soon after but just couldn’t convert.

After enterprising work again by O’Leary in the 22nd minute, she passed the ball through to Lawrence who hit the side netting with her effort. Ireland kept creeping closer.

Minutes later, Larkin released O’Leary on the left and her shot was pushed out to Larkin and her strike was blocked down.

On the stroke of half-time, Iceland took the lead through Emelía Óskarsdóttir after great individual skill. The second half began with Ireland looking for an equaliser.

A brilliant individual goal from Emelía Óskarsdóttir put Iceland 2-1 up against #IRLWU17 #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/hp83CZxewM

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