WU19 EURO 2017: Spain 2-0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland showed some quality play in front of over 4000 fans at Windsor, in the opening game of the UEFA Women’s Under 19 championships, despite losing 2-0 to Pedro Lopez’ Spanish side.
Last updated 8th Aug 2017
The host nation played a predominantly defensive game in the first half, with a solid back line in the form of Lauren Robson, Emma McMaster, Teresa Burns and Courtney Moore.
Captain Emma McMaster proved a defensive stalwart alongside Teresa Burns in centre back. The defensive duo held their form and blocked chance after chance from Spain’s Nuria Rabano.
Laura Maria Perez narrowly missed an early chance for Spain inside the first half, sending the ball over the crossbar. Lucia Garcia sealed the first goal of the game inside 30 minutes despite a number of strong saves from Northern Ireland’s Lauren Rachel Perry.
The home side continued to show some promising signs inside the first half with a few breaks in play allowing possession but with only four chances, they failed to convert despite a narrow window for Rebecca Bassett nearing the first half whistle.
The second half saw just one change in the home defensive line up. Glentoran’s Yasmin White replaced Linfield’s Lauren Robson with no changes in the attacking set up for the home side. Spain’s Nuria Rabano proved the biggest threat to Northern Ireland, with continued dominance and a few dangerously close attempts on goal.
Then came the second goal of the match inside the first ten minutes of the second half. Despite threats from Spain’s Nuria Rabano, it was captain Patricia Guijarro who hit the back of the net for the second time at Windsor. Spain’s Damaris Egurrola almost made it three in quick succession but failed to find the net, striking it over the crossbar.
15-year-old Emily Wilson was replaced after twenty minutes in the second half. Linfield ladies’ Abbie Magee took her spot upfront as the only striker in the 4,5,1 formation for Northern Ireland.
The host nation only found the ball in their attacking end a handful of times inside the second half, with mostly defensive, deep play from Alfie Wylie’s side throughout.
The final 15 minutes of play saw two narrowly missed chances for Northern Ireland, with left back Teresa Burns pushing up on a final whim to hit it just wide.
Despite a solid, defensive performance from the host nation and a number of consistent blocks on dominant strikers Rabano and Garcia, it wasn’t enough to see off Spain who have finished runners-up in each of the past three seasons.