Really impressive performance.
Katie McCabe, Leanne Kiernan and Louise Quinn all scored brilliant goals as the Republic of Ireland women’s national team ran out 3-1 winners against Portugal on Sunday.
Ireland shone in Azores after Portugal edged the first encounter 1-0 on Thursday, with Shelbourne striker Kiernan really catching the eye.
Kiernan’s ingenuity on the wing created the opener for her captain, delivering a pinpoint cross from the right for McCabe to convert with a perfectly-judged header back across the goal.
Three minutes after the restart, Kiernan produced an excellent finish of her own, running in behind the Portugal defence at great pace before lifting an unerring shot over the keeper and into the top corner.
McCabe turned provider for the third, drilling a cross onto the head of Quinn, who made no mistake as she pumped a header in off the post.
🎥 #IRLWNT🇮🇪 shine in the Azores with a 3-1 victory over Portugal!
⚽️ @_KatieMcCabe9
⚽️ @kiernan_leanne
⚽️ @louise_quinn4All the goals ⬇️ Report ➡️ https://t.co/qCqJzlwYvf #COYGIG 💪 pic.twitter.com/F2gibmuufk
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) January 21, 2018
Diana Silva scored a late consolation for the hosts to deny Marie Hourihan a clean sheet but it was a thoroughly deserved win for Ireland, and one which head coach Colin Bell hopes will boost his side’s confidence.
“It was a deserved victory. We were much better today. I thought we were very sluggish on Thursday, maybe the long journey had an effect but that was much improved.
“We made a couple of changes and put two up front, and I think we created plenty of problems for Portugal. They’re a very good side but as soon as we scored the first goal, we were in control of the game and got the result.
“They were fantastic goals and I’m delighted for Leanne Kiernan who performed to the levels we know she’s capable of today. She’s trained really well over the past two days and got a deserved goal, I’m delighted for her.
“They were plenty of great performances and it’s been another important week as we continue to prepare for the qualifiers in April. This is a great result to keep that momentum going and we can take plenty of confidence from this.”
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