John Moore’s team lost 10-0 to a talented French side before going on to beat Northern Ireland 5-0. It now means should Ireland draw with hosts Finland and results go in their favour, they will make the semi-finals and automatically qualify for the World Cup.
Ireland’s first game of the day saw them pitched against France with John Moore opting to go on the attack against the world champions. Despite their efforts they were down five by half time and conceded a further five in the second half.
This meant their game against Northern Ireland was even more crucial and the team responded in superb fashion with a second hat-trick of the tournament from Naglis Montvillas and goals from captain Emer O’Sullivan and Tom Donogher completing a 5-0 win. That victory now means they are on course to feature in Sunday’s semi-final.
Head Coach John More said: “We saw a lot of teams playing defensive against France but we wanted to have a go. We wanted to cause them a few problems and go attacking against them but France are the world champions for a reason and they are a different class. It looked a heavy loss but I was very proud of the team.
“In the Northern Ireland game we were back to our best. We were brilliant from start to finish and had a few chances even before our first goal. The feeling amongst the squad is excellent, they’re in high spirits and they’re looking forward to the next set of games.”
Ireland line-up versus France: Sean Donogher (GK), Patrick Flanagan, Thomas Donogher (C), Naglis Montvillas.
Substitutes: Aoife McNicholl, Conor Troy, Thomas Winters, Emer O'Sullivan
Ireland line-up versus Northern Ireland: Sean Donogher (GK), Thomas Donogher, Emer O'Sullivan (C), Naglis Montvillas.
Substitutes: Aoife McNicholl, Conor Troy, Thomas Winters, Patrick Flanagan
EPFA Nations Cup Results
23/5: Ireland 0-2 Denmark
23/5: Austria 0-8 Ireland
24/5: Ireland 0 -10 France
24/5: Northern Ireland 0-5 Ireland
EPFA Nations Cup Fixtures
25/5: Ireland v Finland
25/5: England v Ireland
