Women's Soccer Scene

Women's Football News


Latest News	Women's Football TV	News Archive	Search	Get the Mag

Share page on Social Media: f Share t G+ find us on Twitter: @wssmagnews
Women's Football News

Ireland frozen out in Reykjavik

Women's Football News 31 Oct 2008

The Republic of Ireland's hopes of reaching the UEFA Women's Championship Finals for the first time came to an end as they were beaten 3-0 by Iceland in the second leg of their play-off in arctic conditions in Reykjavik.

On a pitch that resembled a skating rink in places, players in both teams had trouble keeping their feet throughout the match but it was Iceland who adapted better to the conditions and they took the lead midway through the first half with a strike from the edge of the area from Dora Larusdottir.

Ireland were forced to commit themselves forward in order to scored the away goal they required but their task was made harder on the hour as Emma Byrne was beaten by a firm downward header from Margret Vidarsdottir. Ten minutes later, Larusdottir broke through to neatly finish for the third goal and complete a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Holland are another country to have qualified for the first time as they completed the job they started over the weekend against Spain. Already leading 2-0 from the first leg, Vera Pauw's side repeated the same scoreline in the return meeting at Volendam.

A goal either side of half time from Karin Stevens ensured that Holland enjoyed a comfortable passage to the Finals.

Ukraine were even more convincing winners, 5-0 on aggregate against Slovenia. A 3-0 away win in the first game made the second leg little more than a formality and any hopes of a Slovenia fightback were killed off as early as the third minute from Vera Djatel gave Ukraine the lead. Darina Apanaschenko rounded off the win with the second goal, nineteen minutes from time.

Italy are once again through to the Finals after they defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in Gubbio, to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory. Tatiana Zorri put the Italians ahead from the penalty spot and Patrizia Panico added a second before half time, with Pavlina Scasna scoring a consolation for the Czechs after the break.