Luck was against the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team as an own goal saw them slip to a 1-0 defeat at home to Sweden in Tallaght Stadium. A crowd of 4,017 witnessed an entertaining duel between the team ranked No 2 in the world and Vera Pauw's side, who showed that they can match top-level opponents. This was Ireland's first game as part of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying - after their original opener away to Georgia was rescheduled - and they can be proud of their performance. Even though the Sky Ireland Player of the Match award went to goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, who made five big saves, and the home side didn't cut Sweden open too often, this was a game where they stood toe to toe with a vastly experienced opponent. Ultimately it was an own goal that came off Louise Quinn that settled matters with a mis-hit pass from Stena Blackstenius being diverted into the Irish net by the Wicklow native on 39 minutes. That goal was so unfortunate for Ireland to concede as they had matched Sweden in every area and even gave them a couple of scares, particularly when Katie McCabe fizzed a shot wide from distance. There were a couple of cries for penalties, from both sides, but referee Deborah Anex was not convinced. The play, instead, continued with Sweden attempting to break Ireland down and the hosts trying to fight back into the contest. The introductions of Leanne Kiernan and Amber Barrett gave Ireland some energy late on but they could not create the type of goalscoring opportunity that their overall play deserved. Cork native Saoirse Noonan came on in the remaining minutes to make her senior debut, but the game was over and Sweden took the three points. Pauw's team will now travel to Helsinki to take on Finland on Tuesday, October 26th, where another big performance will be required.
Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Savannah McCarthy; Katie McCabe, Áine O’Gorman; Jamie Finn (Leanne Kiernan 74), Megan Connolly, Denise O’Sullivan; Lucy Quinn (Saoirse Noonan, 93), Heather Payne (Amber Barrett 74).
Sweden: Hedvig Lindahi; Jonna Andersson, Magdalena Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt, Hanna Glas; Filippa Angeldal, Fridolina Rolfo, Hanna Bennison (Julia Zigiotti Olme 76); Lina Hurtig (Olivia Schuh 61), Stina Blackstenius, Sofia Jakobsson (Nilla Foscher 89).
Referee: Deborah Anex (Switzerland).
