Republic of Ireland 1 Italy 1
A brilliant individual stoppage time Katie McCabe goal earned the Republic of Ireland a deserved 1-1 draw against tournament favourites Italy at the Cyprus Cup in Larnaca on Friday.
The Women's National Team appeared destined for their fourth defeat in four games when Italy took the lead after 86 minutes through Marta Carissimi.
The Italian bundled the ball home after Niamh Reid Burke had pulled off a fine save to keep out a powerful header from Luisa Pugnali.
Pugnali was then sent off in the final minute of ordinary time for a second yellow card, giving Ireland a glimmer of hope and right at the death Arsenal star McCabe produced her stunning solo effort.
The draw was no more than Ireland deserved after a keenly contested game.
They created several good chances with Aine O’Gorman shooting just wide in the first half while Julie Ann Russell twice went close, with Megan Connolly and McCabe having free-kicks parried by the Italian keeper after the break.
The Irish did get the ball into the next after 53 minutes when O’Gorman blasted home a low cross from Sophie Perry but the goal was disallowed for a disputed offside against Perry.
The Irish now face Hungary on Monday in Paralimni in their final Group A game. The Hungarians, who were beaten 2-0 in their opening game by Italy, lost 2-1 against Austria on Friday.
