Heartbreak for the Republic of Ireland

There was heartbreak for the Republic of Ireland U-17s, as they lost on penalties to Spain in Nyon.

Spain and Republic of Ireland failed to produce a goal in 100 minutes of football, in the UEFA U-17 Chanmpionship Final in Nyon, Switzerland.

Amanda Sampedro had a goal disallowed and was also denied by the post, while Aileen Gilroy went closest for the Irish, her 25-yard drive forcing a fine save from Dolores Gallardo and a late effort from Niamh McLaughlin found the side-netting.

Few opportunities arose in extra-time, with tired legs and energy-sapping heat.

When it came down to penalties, the Irish were always in trouble, having their first two saved by Gallardo. Mérida and Laura netted for Spain, while Jarrett and Gleeson failed. Sampedro and O’Brien were then both successful, before Catala’s spot-kick gave Spain the title.

In the third place play-off, Germany beat the Netherlands 3-0, with Lena Petermann, Melanie Leupolz and Silvana Chojnowski all on target.

Spain U-17s: Dolores Gallardo, Ana Sáenz de Pipaon, Ana Maria Catala, Ivana Andrés, Laura Gutiérrez, Marina García, Amanda Sampedro, Alexia Putellas Segura (Arene Altonaga, 87), Iraia Perez de Heredia (Nagore Calderón, 70), Sara Mérida, Raquel Pinel (Paloma Lazaro, 58).

Unused subs – Berta Noguera, Gema Gili, Sara Tazo, Paula Nicar.

Republic of Ireland U-17s: Grace Moloney, Ciara O’Brien, Megan Campbell (Harriet Scott, 49), Jessica Gleeson, Jennifer Byrne, Ciara Grant, Aileen Gilroy (Rianna Jarrett, 96), Dora Gorman, Denise O’Sullivan, Siobhan Killeen (Niamh McLaughlin, 69), Stacie Donnelly.

Unused subs – Amanda Budden, Tanya Kennedy, Kerry Ann Glynn, Clare Shine.

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