Arsenal defender Katie McCabe netted a penalty for the Republic of Ireland against Germany in Dublin this evening but it was not enough as Vera Pauw’s side slipped to a 3-1 defeat which ended their UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 hopes.
The Girls in Green knew that they would probably need to beat Germany to secure a play-off place but defeat, combined with Ukraine’s victory over Montenegro, saw the Republic of Ireland end qualifying in third place and fall at the final hurdle.
Germany took the lead in the 21st minute when McCabe fouled Svenja Huth in the box and Lina Magull slotted away the resulting penalty kick.
Tabea Wassmuth soon doubled the visitors’ lead before McCabe made amends for her error by reducing the arrears from the penalty spot for the Republic of Ireland.
The hosts faced an uphill battle to turn the game around in the second half but they gave it their all with McCabe going close. In the end, the challenge was simply too great for Pauw’s side who could not find the equaliser to set up a thrilling finish to the game.
Despite failing to impress in the second period, Germany wrapped up their victory five minutes from time with Wassmuth again on target for Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side who had already secured qualification for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 as group winners.
The Republic of Ireland have never qualified for a major tournament and tonight’s result means that the wait goes on as they now turn their attention towards the start of FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023 qualifying.
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