Republic of Ireland 1 Japan 2: The Republic of Ireland women's under-17 side bowed out the World Cup early this morning when they lost 2-1 to Japan in Trinidad and Tobago in the quarter-finals.
Noel King’s side were second best in the opening half, against a technically gifted Japanese side, but Megan Cambpell appeared harshly penalised for a foul that gave them the opportunity to take the lead in the 34th minute.
Canadian referee Michelle Pye waved away Irish appeals and pointed to the spot for Hikaro Naumoto to give Japan the lead from 12 yards out.
Ireland's best chances were long range free-kicks from Cambpell and Siobhan Killeen but the pair couldn't recreate stunning strikes from earlier in the tournament and they had Grace Moloney to thank for keeping the deficit to one when she denied Kumi Yokoyama.
Ireland had more purpose after the break and levelled the scores in the 53rd minute when Japan goalkeeper Eri Hirao saw her hurried clearance cannon off one her own defenders and Denise O'Sullivan pounced.
With plenty to do still, O’Sullivan kept her cool and evaded two tacklers before slotting calmly into an unguarded net.
King’s side had their opponents rattled but couldn’t take advantage. In fact, as they pressed, Japan struck when counter-attacking a 67th minute corner with a long ball down the middle.
Yokoyama looked second favourite to get there ahead of Ciara O’Brien but the evasive forward got between the defender and the ball and turned to run at the Irish defence before firing a fine strike past Moloney from the edge of the box.
Campbell tested Hirao at the other end almost immediately with a free-kick but the best chance to restore parity fell to Stacie Donnelly after substitute Rianna Jarrett did well to square it into her path.
Donnelly’s slight hesitation, however, was all the time Hirao needed to block her shot.
Jessica Gleeson’s flick on from Campbell’s long throw then afforded Ireland their last chance but Jarrett’s brave header under pressure sailed over the bar.
Japan’s progress continues an impressive show of strength for Asian football as they followed North and South Korea into the semi-finals. Spain make up the last four after beating Brazil 2-1 and will play South Korea for a place in the final.