Women's Algarve Cup Denmark 4 Rep of Ireland 0The Republic of Ireland women were given a harsh lesson in the Algarve Cup by a superior Denmark, who justified their ranking of eighth in the world with a sparkling performance.

Ireland contained the Danes for 20 minutes but Denmark lifted their game once they scored the opening goal.

Ireland's manager Noel King paid tribute to the Irish players for their spirited resistance to the final whistle but he conceded the Danes were far superior.

"This was an important learning process for our team" he said. "We came to this tournament with the ambition of getting out of our group and playing one of the top teams and that is what we achieved."

King chose to give the younger members of the squad experience at this level in the second half. He introduced two new internationals in Diane Caldwell and Áine O'Gorman, 16-year-olds from Raheny United and Stella Maris, respectively.

He said: "This was a big step up in quality for our players and Denmark were very good. They are ranked eighth in the world after all."

Ireland beat Portugal 1-0 and drew in a scoreless game with Mexico before losing to Denmark, and the week's work was important as they are preparing for upcoming matches in the World Cup.

Ireland return home today and then fly out on March 23rd to play Switzerland in the World Cup.

IRELAND: Peters (Lady Hibernian Saints); Curtin (Hofstra University), Deasley (Bristol Academy), Tracy (Arsenal), Moran (Harvard University), Hughes (New Hampshire Phantoms/Franklin Pierce), Grant (Arsenal), Thomas (Boston Renegades), O'Connor (Long Island Lady Riders), Hislop (New Hampshire Phantoms/Franklin Pierce), O'Brien (Lady Island Lady Riders). Subs: Caldwell (Raheny United), O'Gorman (Stella Maris), Byrne (Arsenal), O'Toole (Shamrock Rovers), Scanlon (Bristol Academy), Malone (Hofstra University).