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Republic of Ireland settle for draw in Women's EURO 2021 qualifier after late Greek equaliser

The Republic of Ireland had to settle for a point in today's EURO 2021 women's qualifier with Gre...



Republic of Ireland settle for...
Soccer

Republic of Ireland settle for draw in Women's EURO 2021 qualifier after late Greek equaliser

The Republic of Ireland had to settle for a point in today's EURO 2021 women's qualifier with Greece in Athens.

Vera Pauw's side had led from the 13th minute after Amber Barrett's superb lob went over the reach of the Greek goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old Donegal star kept her composure to direct the ball into the net, giving the home side's netminder Anthi Papakonstantinou no chance.

A volley from Anastasia Spyrindonou in the 93rd minute meant the Republic had to settle for just a point, however - a result that leaves the away side four points clear in second place in Group I.

Vera Pauw had made five changes to the Irish starting team for this one. There was a senior debut for Jamie Finn, and a first-ever competitive start for her Shelbourne teammate Emily Whelan.

Striker Denise O'Sullivan was also involved in what was her 75th cap for her country.

It was a feisty game for large swathes of the first half, with a number of Greek players picking up needless cards, including one for a dangerous tackle on Katie McCabe at the edge of the box.

Celtic defender Keeva Kennan came on early in the second period for the Irish, replacing Julie-Ann Russell. Stephanie Roche also entered the fray for the away side in a second forty-five minutes that saw her side continuing to create chances aplenty.

Denise O'Sullivan saw an early second-half shot saved well, before an Amber Barrett move that should have led to another Irish goal. Emily Whelan was at the back post but just couldn't get on the end of her teammate's delivery.

The final ten minutes were ominous for the Irish team though, with Greece on top and looking the likelier to score.

A Greek shot was deflected out off an Irish head before Zaragoza striker Spiridonidou earned her side a point with her late goal. The equaliser came three minutes into five minutes of injury time.

The result in Panionios leaves the Republic on seven points from their opening three games, after previous wins over Montenegro and Ukraine.

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Amber Barrett Athens Denise O'Sullivan Euro 2021 ROI Women Republic Of Ireland Soccer Vera Pauw