Ireland 1
Brazil 0

It was a memorable opening night for team Ireland at the 2019 World University Games in Napoli as wonder strike from 30 yards out by Maynooth University student Lauren Kelly saw Ireland defeat 2017 champions Brazil in Stadio San Mauro.

In a game that Ireland dominated for long periods, the girls in green could have been ahead early on as Chloe Mustaki saw her effort fly over, and Ireland also had a goal ruled out for offside after Eleanor Ryan-Doyle’s headed effort was crossed off.

It looked like all of Ireland’s fantastic football would go unrewarded, but Lauren Kelly bravely stole possession just inside the Brazil half, proceeded to nutmeg a Brazilian midfielder before unleashing a stunning strike from 30 yards out on the 76th minute that flew past the helpless keeper.

Ireland top Group C after this victory and know that victory over South Korea on Thursday evening at 5pm in Stadio San Francesco would see them finish top of the group.

Ireland: Amanda McQuillan, Lauren Dwyer, Shauna Fox, Sadhbh Doyle, Chloe Mustaki, Niamh Farrelly, Megan Smyth-Lynch (Ellerose O’Flaherty 73’), Jessica Gargan (Lauryn O’Callaghan 87’), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, Aislinn Meaney