Ireland u19 team start EURO qualification campaign with 4-1 win over Iceland

Ireland u19 team ahead of kick off

Ireland u19 team ahead of kick off Credit: FAI

The Republic of Ireland under-19 team secured a 4-1 victory over Iceland in their opening game of qualification for the European Championship.

Dave Connell’s team had trailed at half time but an own goal from Sigdis Bardardottir on 56 minutes got them back in the game. 

Further goals were added by Sligo Rovers’ Jodie Loughrey, substitute Hannah Healy from Shelbourne, and Shamrock Rovers striker Joy Ralph. 

Ireland know they need to top their group if they are to qualify for the final tournament which takes place in Lithuania this summer.

This Saturday morning Ireland will play Austria who defeated Croatia 8-1 in their group game on Wednesday. 

The final group game for the Girls in Green comes next Tuesday when they take on Croatia.

All the matches are being played in Croatia.

Republic of Ireland u19: Katie Keane; Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Aoife Kelly, Eve Dossen, Jodie Loughrey (Hannah Healy 64); Sophie Morrin (Freya Healy 78), Jess Fitzgerald; Ellen Dolan, Joy Ralph (Rola Olusola 86), Lia O’Leary.

Iceland u19: Sigurborg Sveinbjornsdottir; Sigdis Bardardottir, Sigridur Gudmundsdottir, Idunn Gunnarsdottir, Harpa Helgadottir (Johanna Elin Halldorsdottir 78); Bergdis Sveinsdottir, Isabella Tryggvadottir (Hrafnhildur Asa Halldorsdottir 66), Kimberley Hjalmarsdottir (Margret Brynja Kristinsdottir 67); Katla Tryggvadottir (Marget Lea Gisladottir 82), Vigdis Kristjansdottir, Emelia Oskarsdottir (Katrin Agustsdottir 78).

Referee: Merima Celik (Bosnia & Herzegovina)