In the 2024 Uefa women’s under-19 European Championship, the Dutch ladies triumphed with a 2-0 victory against Ireland. The two sensational goals by Karlijn Woons and Mirte Van Koppen led Netherlands to the semi-finals, overshooting the commendable team Ireland. The contest occurred in Lithuania’s Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje, where the young Irish team displayed an impressive third consecutive tactical performance.
Despite a previously close game with the reigning champions, Spain, and a slim defeat to Germany, the previous year’s runners-up, Ireland retained their confidence under the leadership of Dave Connell. However, they fell short in progressing further in this tournament, needing a significant victory here.
The Dutch took an early lead when Woons craftily outmanoeuvred her marker to head in a goal assisted by Jade van Hensbergen 18 minutes into the game. Ireland, wearing black for this match, attempted to level the game with Shamrock Rovers forward, Joy Ralph, shooting directly at goalkeeper Danae van der Vliet. Nonetheless, they were one goal down at half-time.
There was a moment of exhilaration for the Irish squad when, four minutes into the second half, Ralph’s long distance half volley struck the Dutch post. It was an impressive effort that nearly saw them level the score. Yet, the Dutch team was equally capable, as exhibited by Lotte Keukelaar’s shot saved by Irish goalkeeper Katie Keane.
The Netherlands extend their lead just after an hour into the game, with Van Koppen’s solid right-footed shot following an excellent pass from Keukelaar. A valiant effort from Irish substitute Ceola Bergin at the 89th minute threatened the Dutch team, but was saved bravely by van der Vliet.
Ultimately, the Dutch team secured their win and unfortunately ejected Ireland from the tournament – a repeat of the 2014 semi-finals. Nonetheless, the Irish women’s under-19s can hold their heads high after their tenacious performances in the competition.
The player line-up for Ireland included Katie Keane, Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson and Eve Dossen, who was later replaced by Hazel Donegan at the 82-minute mark. Aoife Turner was on the field until substituted by Mary Phillips during the 46th minute. Jess Fitzgerald played until the 68th minute when Freya Healy came in. The team also had Aoife Kelly, Ellen Dolan, and Jodie Loughrey who was swapped for Hannah Healy at the 68-minute mark as well. Joy Ralph was replaced by Ceola Bergin at 82 minutes and Lia O’Leary also made the team.
The Netherlands team consisted of Danae van der Vliet, Daliyah de Klonia, Karlijn Woons, Isa Kardinaal, and Anissa Chibani. Jasmijn van Uden, Jade van Hensbergen, and Senne van de Velde, who was swapped at the 62-minute point for Sophie Proost, were also part of the team. Lotte Keukelaar was replaced by Lyanne Iedema at the 85-minute mark, along with Danique Tolhoek and Mirte Van Koppen making up the rest of the squad.
The match was overseen by Olivia Tschon from Austria who was the official referee.