No fairytale ending for Northern Ireland but coach filled with pride
Wylie pays tribute to his Under 19s and predicts big future ahead
The dream is over for Northern Ireland…
Alfie Wylie’s side lost 6-0 to Germany last night to end any chances of progressing in the Women’s Under 19 Euros.
It was always going to be a big ask for the locals who had battled to a 1-1 draw with Scotland int he previous game.
Germany are the tournament’s clear favourites and had already qualified for the knockout stages even before a ball was kicked at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
To stand any chance they would have needed to have conceded fewer goals than Scotland who were taking on Spain in the other crucial fixture.
The Scots lost just 1-0.
Germany will now play France in the last four with the Netherlands facing Spain.
Northern Ireland boss Alfie Wylie said he was proud of his players for the way they had acquitted themselves not just throughout the tournament but in the build-up.
And he predicted a big future ahead for them.
“I am delighted, very proud and privileged to have been the coach of a great group of girls who have given up so much for Northern Ireland,” he told Downtown & Cool FM.
“This just hasn’t happened this week. They have been working for 12 to 18 months.
“And it’s not the end either - they will go on now to be great players and ambassadors for Northern Ireland in the future.