Amber Barrett was the big winner, as Ireland ensured their World Cup fine-tuning began on a winning note at Tallaght Stadium tonight.
Emma Duffy Reports from Tallaght Stadium Republic of Ireland 3 Zambia 2 AMBER BARRETT WAS the big winner, as Ireland ensured their World Cup fine-tuning began on a winning note at Tallaght Stadium tonight.
This was about much more than the result, though, as Vera Pauw ran the rule over her extended squad and offered big opportunities as D-Day looms large. But Zambia, 55 places below Ireland in the Fifa world rankings and led by the dazzling Barbra Banda, posed serious questions as both sides prepare for their maiden World Cup.
Pauw rang the changes and handed out some big chances. O’Riordan impressed early on in the back three alongside stand-in captain Louise Quinn and the returning Niamh Fahey, while Heather Payne and Izzy Atkinson — graduating from the standby list to the XI — were the wing-backs.
They conceded a freakish, but poor, own goal in the 17th minute after Banda left Quinn scrambling on the end-line, the ball deflected off Atkinson and Courtney Brosnan was at sea, haunted once more. Pauw shuffled the pack at half-time, offering a raft of opportunities. Hampden hero Barrett took hers immediately. Having barely touched the ball, the Donegal striker coolly slotted home a 48th-minute penalty — after a Zambia handball on Larkin’s shot in anger.
The closing stages were mad-cap, to say the least. Ireland survived two goalmouth scrambles; O’Riordan with another monstrous block and Brosnan recovering from another shaky incident to clear her lines.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ireland U20s find World Cup preparations disrupted by poor weather conditionsThe squad have been unable to use their training base in South Africa due to heavy rain.
Read more »
LIVE: Ireland v Zambia, international friendlyIreland face Zambia as their preparation for this summer’s World Cup intensify.
Read more »
Ireland 3 Zambia 2 as it happened: International friendlyFT Ireland 3 Zambia 2: Great second half by Ireland as they come back to win
Read more »
Katie McCabe benched for Zambia clash as Vera Pauw runs rule over Ireland squadIreland manager must cut 32-woman training panel to 23 next Thursday ahead of World Cup
Read more »
Amber Barrett at the double as she comes to Ireland’s rescue against ZambiaVera Pauw’s women overcome a sluggish opening gambit to score three goals in second half
Read more »