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Ireland record historic victory over Spain at U19 European championships

Raheny United’s Clare Shine scored the winner for Dave Connell’s side in Oslo.

Ireland 1-0 Spain 

CLARE SHINE SECURED a memorable victory as the Republic of Ireland beat Spain 1-0 on their UEFA Women’s European Championship debut in Oslo, Norway.

Any fear of nerves overtaking them on a first ever appearance at these finals was wiped out within seconds of the kick-off as Sarah Rowe unleashed a shot at goal.

It was a tame shot from the Mayo native but enough to signal Ireland’s intent and they quickly built on it with Raheny United duo Shine and Katie McCabe combining well.

On 10 minutes, the tricky pair almost got in for a goal when McCabe jinked her way past two defenders before cutting the ball back to her team-mate but Shine couldn’t connect.

Dave Connell’s team, set up in a 4-3-3 formation, dominated most of the play and stretched Spain regularly. But they exhaled a sigh of relief when Sonia Fraile’s overhead only struck the post.

Ireland responded by going close with Megan Connolly’s free-kick from 30 yards out whistling over the crossbar before Shine twice fired just off target to finish the first half on a high.

Upon returning for the second period, Shine again had Spain goalkeeper Sara Serrat sweating as she found her way beyond opposition defenders to drill a shot wide of the goal.

Persistence paid off for Ireland as they took the lead on 54 minutes when Rowe’s cross was hooked clear to Shine who controlled the ball before converting with a stinging shot.

Spain attempted to fight their way back into the game with Andrea Sanchez bringing the best out of keeper Brooke Dunne but they found it difficult thereafter to create chances.

Connell’s troops showed excellent composure in the final stages to record a historic victory that sets them up for Friday’s Group B showdown with England before a final game against Sweden.

Republic of Ireland: Dunne; Wright, O’Connell, McCarthy, Mustaki; O’Connor, Dwyer, Connolly; McCabe, Shine (Carson 89), Rowe.

Spain: Serrat; Jimenez, Turmo, Murua, Garrote; Campo (Guijarro 59), Caldentey, Fraile; Redondo (Lopez 82), Garcia, Sanchez.

Referee: Karolina Radzik-Johan (Poland).

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    Mute Ronan Faherty
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:48 PM

    Well done to them

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    Mute jason sheridan
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:22 PM

    Somehow I’d say Steven they surpassed any of your sporting achievements by representing their country In a major tournament and therefore earned the right to celebrate. Well done girls…

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    Mute Steven Pierce
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:29 PM

    What are you basing that on? Not saying it not an achievement just I don’t see why you’d wildly celebrate winning one game. I suppose if they don’t win any other game that won’t matter because they won this one. And people wonder why Ireland aren’t getting anywhere in soccer

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    Mute Cathal O'Flaherty
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:49 PM

    So,to sum up.Teenage girls go to first European Championship and beat Spain.Pose for photograph afterwards,have temerity to smile.
    According to you,this is a symbol of all that’s wrong with Irish soccer.
    You’re warped.

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    Mute Steven Pierce
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:53 PM

    Maybe you should actually read the comment. I said celebrating winning a game as if you’d won the whole thing. This attitude of being happy with beating a big team now and then and being happy with it is what’s wrong

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    Mute Elizabeth Reid
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:26 PM

    Well done Ireland!

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    Mute thetruth
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:24 PM

    Well done girls. Brilliant stuff

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    Mute Seosamh B
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    Jul 15th 2014, 10:13 PM

    Good stuff, well done…

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    Mute Steven Pierce
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:08 PM

    Only an irish team would celebrate like that because they won one game

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    Mute Edwin Mc Partling
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:12 PM

    Give them a break it’s a big scalp in footballing terms , never mind the fact they worked there arses off to represent there country

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    Mute I love my County
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:13 PM

    Steven…. Have a snickers

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    Mute Steven Pierce
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:15 PM

    As every team does. But you won’t see too many of them celebrating like they’ve won the thing when they’ve only won one game

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    Mute Declan O'Flaherty
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:18 PM

    The only thing stereotypically irish about this is your begrudgery.

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    Mute thetruth
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:23 PM

    Steven a bit jealous are we?. Bet you couldn’t kick a ball straight for 5 ft

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    Mute Tony Wolverson
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    Jul 15th 2014, 11:02 PM

    Seriously give them a break and get a life. Well done girls it’s good to celebrate a good result. Too many sad things happening in the world today let’s be happy for a good result.

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    Mute Monika Zajacova
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    Jul 16th 2014, 12:06 AM

    What would u say Steven if the men’s senior team beat anybody 1-0..????

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    Mute Festered Uncle
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    Jul 16th 2014, 12:11 AM

    Miserable old fart. Be proud of your fellow countrywoman, it’s a great achievement , assuming you actually read the article.

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    Mute Lashes
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    Jul 16th 2014, 1:58 AM

    Well it’s more acceptable than women’s rugby !!!

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    Mute Monika Zajacova
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    Jul 16th 2014, 12:04 AM

    One up for Mna na h’Eirean…

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    Mute Mark Kelly
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    Jul 15th 2014, 9:59 PM

    Well done lads.. sorry girls.

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