Rep of Ireland 0 Spain 0 (AET)/Spain win 4-1 on pens:Noel King's Republic of Ireland under-17 side has been denied an historic Uefa Championship title on penalties after a gruelling 100 minutes against Spain ended scoreless in Nyon, Switzerland.
In scorching heat at the Colovary Stadium today, regular water breaks were needed, but there was no break through on the pitch, thanks largely to some sterling defensive work from Ireland and crucial saves from goalkeeper Grace Moloney.
Up front, Denise O’Sullivan was tireless in effort and application but she too was to endure a frustrating afternoon.
After their 1-0 win over Germany and a punishing final, it all came down to penalties and Ireland’s start was not what the would have wished for.
Rianna Jarrett and Jessica Gleeson both saw their efforts saved before Ciara O'Brien got King’s side off the mark. By that time, however, Spain had scored three, despite Moloney guessing right each time.
There was no stopping the fourth, either, and Ireland had to settle for second.
However, as a result, they will now play Brazil, Ghana and Canada in Group D of the Fifa World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago from September 5th-25th.