Ireland 2
Republic of Korea 1

Ireland’s Women’s Football team concluded their Pool C campaign with victory over Republic of Korea to ensure top spot, in Stadio San Francesco, Napoli last night, as Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (TU Dublin) proved the hero with a pair of goals.

Within six minutes of kick off Ireland were in front as Eleanor Ryan-Doyle had her heels clipped by the Korean goalkeeper, and after she dusted herself off coolly slotted home the spot kick.

Unlike Tuesday’s game against Brazil, Republic of Korea pressed Ireland a lot more and shared the possession stakes and created several good chances in the opening half with Amanda McQuillan saving smartly from Chaerin Han, while Lauren Dwyer also had to adjust quickly to clear a ball off the line.

With half time looming Ireland doubled their advantage when a ball over the top was snapped up by speedy Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and the Peamount United striker lifted the ball over the keeper from 22 yards out.

Before the break Republic of Korea pulled a goal back as a free kick from Yeji Namgug was deflected into the Irish net by defender Shauna Fox.

The second half was a show of dogged determination by the Irish team, although playing in temperatures of over 34 degrees celcius and having a second game in 48 hours the girls were resilient in defence and also created some chances with the midfield and defence really answering the call to seal victory.

Ireland will enjoy a rest day today and will get back to action on Monday, when they meet the runners up from Pool A, a group that contains Mexico, China and Russia.

Ireland: Amanda McQuillan, Lauren Dwyer (Lauryn O’Callaghan 66’), Shauna Fox, Sadhbh Doyle, Chloe Mustaki, Niamh Farrelly, Lauren Kelly, Megan Smyth-Lynch (Gemma McGuinness 55), Jessica Gargan, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, Aislinn Meaney.