Ireland bow out of European Championships after defeat to Netherlands

Ireland 0-2 Netherlands

The Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19s ended their 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 European Championships campaign with a 2-0 loss to Netherlands on Sunday.

Goals from Karlijn Woons and Mirte Van Koppen sent the Dutch through to the semi-finals ahead of Ireland, who can be proud of their performance.

In the afternoon heat in the Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje in Lithuania, Ireland showcased a tactical discipline for a third straight game that gave them a chance against one of the favourites to win this tournament.

Having drawn with holders Spain and lost narrowly to last year's runners-up Germany, Dave Connell's squad knew that they belonged at this level but needed a big performance and a victory here to progress further.

However, it was the Dutch who took control early on when Woons lost her marker on 18 minutes to head in a free-kick delivered into the penalty area by Jade van Hensbergen.

Republic of Ireland 0-1 Netherlands: The Irish U19s fall behind to the Dutch in their UEFA U19 Women's Championship game as Karlijn Woons heads the Dutch in front. #RTESport. pic.twitter.com/gHyUt4o8lF

Shamrock Rovers forward Joy Ralph did fire a shot straight at goalkeeper Danae van der Vliet following a breakaway but the Girls in Green - wearing a black kit here - went in at the half-time break one goal down.

Four minutes into the second period Irish hearts were beating that bit faster when Ralph controlled a pass, spun quickly and let loose with a half volley from distance that struck the Dutch post. It was a superb effort.

The Netherlands showed that they were capable of the same as Lotte Keukelaar made space for herself before unleashing a stinging shot that brought the best out of goalkeeper Katie Keane.

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