Ireland defeated narrowly in Pinatar Cup semi-final

THERE was disappointment for the Republic of Ireland women’s soccer team at La Manga Club in Spain yesterday evening as an early Elizaveta Lazareva goal saw them losing out 1-0 to Russia in the Pinatar Cup semi-final.

Having overcome Poland in the last-eight of this invitational tournament on Wednesday – namesakes Lucy Quinn and Louise Quinn finding the net in a 2-1 win – Vera Pauw’s outfit were hoping to book their spot in Tuesday’s final at San Pedro del Pinatar.

Instead, they will now be back to La Manga on the same day for a third/fourth place play-off against Wales.

Given she is viewing this cup competition as preparation for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, Pauw unsurprisingly made a number of changes to her starting line-up for this showdown with the Russians.

In spite of her goalscoring exploits three days earlier, former Peamount United star Louise Quinn was held in reserve.

Joining her on the bench was Kilnamanagh native – and regular Irish skipper – Katie McCabe and another former Peas player in the form of Denise O’Sullivan.

Nevertheless, Aine O’Gorman (the current captain of the Newcastle club) was included at right wing-back and there was also a place in the side for another brace of ex-Peamount operators – Claire Walsh and Amber Barrett.

The importance of a bright start can never be underestimated and it was Russia who came storming out of the blocks.

There was only seven minutes gone on the clock when Lazareva fired beyond the reach of Irish debutant Megan Walsh.

This was a major set-back for the girls in green, but with teenager Abbie Larkin, Leanne Kiernan and Barrett all having opportunities on goal, they weren’t out of contention just yet.

Nevertheless, Russia held firm to bring their 1-0 lead into the interval.

In a bid to turn the table on their opponents, Pauw introduced a series of substitutes as the action wore on.

The likes of McCabe, O’Sullivan and Ruesha Littlejohn were all thrown into the mix to give a spark to the Irish challenge.

Lucy Quinn – the other goalscorer against the Poles – was also added to the attack in the closing minutes but despite their best efforts, Ireland couldn’t muster an equaliser before the end.