Ireland lose Pinatar Cup semi-final despite Megan Walsh’s heroics

Russia 1 Republic of Ireland 0

Despite an exceptional debut from Brighton goalkeeper Megan Walsh, a young Irish side lost out to Elizaveta Lazareva’s early goal in the Pinatar Cup semi-final at La Manga stadium, Spain.

Walsh made five point blank saves to keep a disjointed Ireland in the tie, until Denise O’Sullivan and Katie McCabe arrived with 25 minutes remaining to almost snatch a draw.

"We are very happy Megan joined Ireland," said manager Vera Pauw of the 27 year old qualifying via her Wexford grandfather. "She has a huge future in front of her."

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Lazareva’s goal came from poor defending down Ireland’s left side.

Wexford Youths playmaker Ellen Molloy struggled to get on the ball but there were enough flashes of footwork and skill to suggest a prominent role for the 17 year old when the World Cup qualification campaign resumes.

Abbie Larkin and Chloe Mustaki also showed well on their debuts but, in truth, the Russians were muscling their way to victory until O’Sullivan and McCabe took over. The pair almost combined for an equaliser on 80 minutes.

In the end, Ireland ran out of time just as McCabe ran out of patience with a fussy referee.

“It’s a shame we lost but I am proud and pleasantly surprised by the growth of the second best team in our group,” said Pauw. “We had 11 new players from the first match and three debuts, so we lacked organisation in some moments.”

Ireland face Wales in the third place play off on Tuesday.

Ireland: M Walsh; Caldwell (capt), C Walsh, Mustaki; O'Gorman, Barrett, Finn, Molloy, Atkinson; Larkin, Kiernan.

Subs: Ziu for Atkinson, Littlejohn for Barrett (both ht), McCabe for O’Gorman, O’Sullivan for Molly, Carusa for Larkin (all 65 mins), Lucy Quinn for Kiernan (83).