The Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-17 team secured their place in the UEFA Championship final with a heroic 1-0 victory over reigning champions Germany at the Colovray Stadium in Nyon, Switzerland.
Defender Megan Campbell scored the game’s only goal after 38 minutes when she scored with an audacious free-kick from 30 yards, just on the stroke of half-time.
This historic win over Germany, who were undefeated in the competition for the last three years, ensures Ireland will now face Spain in the final on Saturday.
It also guarantees Ireland’s place at this year’s FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup, which will take place in Trinidad and Tobago from 5-25 September.
In a frantic opening to the first half, the Irish started brightly and gave Germany very little opportunity to settle into the game.
Wilton United striker Denise O’Sullivan had the game’s first real opportunity after 24 minutes when she collected a clever ball from her strike partner Stacie Donnelly but her shot from outside the box went just to the right of Lena Nuding’s post.
Ireland took the lead in the 38th minute with a sensational goal from St Francis defender Campbell.
Her left-footed free-kick flew over the German defence and nestled into the top left hand corner much to the surprise of Nuding in goal.
As expected, the German attack came out in force in the second half and they almost grabbed the equaliser in the 45th minute.
Natalie Moik made a darting run down the right wing and played a clever cut-back to striker Lena Peterman but her wasteful effort went high over the bar from six yards under pressure from the Irish defence.
Reading’s goalkeeper Grace Moloney came to Ireland’s rescue in the 51st minute when the ever-dangerous German attacker Silvana Chojnowski broke into the Irish box from the left wing and her stinging shot was well held by Moloney from close range.
O’Sullivan was involved in a neat attacking move in the 68th minute when she skipped through the German defence and played a superb ball to Dora Gorman at the edge of the box.
And the Salthill midfielder forced her way past her marker before seeing her powerful shot saved by the keeper.
With the introduction of Wexford’s Rianna Jarrett after 63 minutes, Ireland were invigorated going forward as the big striker held up the ball, linking well with O’Sullivan.
The Westend striker almost grabbed an astonishing goal in the 70th minute when Campbell played a superb free-kick to her at the edge of the box. Jarrett controlled and swivelled but her half-volley was just over the bar.
Germany had a number of chances to score late on with Romert and Chojnowski going close but the Irish defence held on for a memorable win.
The final on Saturday against last year’s beaten finalists Spain will be shown live on EuroSport at 12.30pm.
FAI Chief Executive Officer John Delaney expressed his delight at Ireland’s historic victory against Germany.
He said: ‘First of all, I would like to congratulate the Irish manager, Noel King, the players and all of the management team for such a wonderful result.
‘This victory is a wonderful achievement for everybody in Irish football, considering the challenge that the team had to overcome, in one of the strongest teams in women’s world football, Germany.
‘While the team play Spain in the UEFA Championship final on Saturday, they have also qualified for the FIFA World Cup later this year and I think that is something that everybody involved in Irish football can look forward to with great anticipation.’
Congratulating the team on their success, Minister for Sport Mary Hanafin TD said: ‘These young women are going from strength to strength as a team. There is great credit due to each of them for their dedication and effort and to their coaching staff led by Noel King.’
Republic of Ireland: Grace Moloney, Ciara O’Brien, Megan Campbell, Jessica Gleeson, Jennifer Byrne, Ciara Grant, Aileen Gilroy, Dora Gorman (C), Denise O’Sullivan, Siobhan Killeen, Stacie Donnelly.
Substitutes: Niamh McLaughlin, Rianna Jarrett (on for Donnelly, 63 mins), Tanya Kennedy, Kerry Glynn, Amanda Budden, Claire Shine, Harriet Scott.
