Germany 3-0 Ireland

Ireland’s women lost 3-0 to Germany in the first of their two match series to celebrate the German Federations centenary.

Ireland started slowly but worked their way into the game with Bridget Cleland defending well and the midfield of Symmons, Smyth, Colvin and Small all working as a solid unit.

The Germans forced six corners in the first half to Ireland’s one but some fine saves by Louisa Healy kept the game scoreless at half time.

Germany scored their first of the three second half goals in the 39th minute when Fanny Rinne found her way past Healy.

They extended their lead from quick attacking play in the 51st minute when Natasha Keller made it two and Lena Jacobi scored their third from play five minutes later.

Coach Muller introduced Emma Gray for the last eight minutes and she made two fine saves.

Coach Muller commented after the game: ‘We lacked concentration for periods in this match and conceded goals in a short spell in the second half. We have made progress in possession over the last few months but we were not sharp enough in defending and at using the self pass.’