Republic of Ireland 0-1 Portugal
The Republic of Ireland signed off their UEFA Women's 2017 European Championships qualifying campaign with a narrow defeat to Portugal to finish fourth in Group 2.
Sue Ronan's side had the best of the chances in the game but Portugal captain Claudia Neto headed home from close range, after Emma Byrne had saved her penalty, to snatch the win.
It was a crucial victory for the visitors as they leaped up second to sneak a play-off place behind group winners Spain.
Ireland should have been ahead in the second minute of the game. Ruesha Littlejohn produced a wonderful back-heel pass to Julie Ann-Russell. She whipped it in to Aine O'Gorman, whose looping header crashed off the crossbar.
Ireland continued to dominate the first half but without creating many openings. In their first attack, Portugal found space on the left to cross for Ana Leite, but Sophie Perry brilliantly blocked her effort on the line.
The hosts continued to dominate possession and should have gone ahead seven minutes after the break. Once again, it was the UCD Waves pair causing problems as Russell found O'Gorman in behind but her low effort was well saved by the feet of Isabel Morais.
Portugal knew a win would see them qualify for the championships and began to create chances in the latter stages. First, Neto worked a corner short to turn inside and fire narrowly wide of the right-hand post before she then delivered the match-winning blow.
Ana Borges broke down the left and was fouled in the box by Jetta Berrill. Neto stepped up and saw her poor spot-kick parried by Byrne, but she was first to the rebound to head home.
Fiona O'Sullivan was denied from close range in added time but the visitors held on.
Republic of Ireland: Byrne (Capt), Perry, Berrill, Quinn, Fahey, Duggan (McLaughlin 82), Caldwell, O'Gorman, Littlejohn (O'Sullivan 88), Russell (Shine 64), McCabe.
Subs: Reid-Burke (GK), McCarthy, De Burca, Beckett, Moloney (GK).
Portugal: Morais (GK), Rebelo, Fidalgo, Neto (Capt), Borges, Leite (Silva 90), Silva, Costa, Marques, Da Costa (T Pinto 64), Pires (F Pinto 82).
Subs: Marreiros, Pereira, Fernandes, Silva, Mendes.
