Ireland women downed by first-half German blitz
By Stephen Leonard
A FIRST-HALF onslaught by Germany saw the Republic of Ireland Senior Women's team left empty-handed at the close of their UEFA European Championship qualifier as they went down 3-0 in Essen today.
Vera Pauw's side shipped all three goals before the halftime break, Marina Hegering opening the scoring on eight minutes before Dzsenifer Marozsán and Lea Schüller added to the homeside's tally.
Katie McCabe
The defeat means Ireland lose top spot spot in Group I to the Germans although qualification for the Finals still remains a serious prospect.
Indeed next month’s trip to Ukraine will be crucial for the Irish as they bid to secure second place in the group and a play-off if not direct qualification by way of finishing among the three best runners-up.
