Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland | OneFootball

Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland | OneFootball

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·16 March 2024

Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland

Article image:Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland
Article image:Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland

Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s celebrate their equaliser against Iceland. (Photo: Ephy McConnell)

Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s finished their UEFA development tournament with a penalties defeat to Iceland following a 1-1 score at full time.


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Fanney Johannesdottir opened the scoring for Iceland in Belfast on nine minutes, Zara Maguire keeping the deficit to one goal when stopping a drive from Thelma Palmadottir and turning another effort by Johannesdottir onto the post.

Maguire also saved a powerful shot from Hekla Ingvarsdottir with Johannesdottir putting the rebound wide from close range, before forcing the home keeper into another save on half-time.

After the break, substitute Sophie Hutchinson saw her header pushed away by Ninna Porsteinsdottir, who also had to save at the feet of Maja Stachura.

Article image:Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland

Northern Ireland WU16s’ captain Sophie Hutchinson pressures Iceland. (Bob Hall Sports Photography)

The equaliser came in the 63rd minute, as Sophie Hutchinson’s free-kick from distance hit the underside of the bar and bounced down over the goal-line.

Maguire did well to keep her side level, smothering a Palmadottir effort and tipping a shot from Vala Sturludottir round the post.

Stachura scooped a shot inches over the top and the Irish also went close in added time, Jessica McGuinness firing a long-range free-kick over the top.

With the game deadlocked at 1-1, it was decided in a shoot-out which Iceland won 3-2.

Article image:Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland

Tournament champions, Spain WU16s. (Bob Hall Sports Photography)

The overall tournament winners were Spain, who registered victories in all three of their matches at Seaview, including a final-day 3-0 result over Belgium.

Article image:Penalties defeat for Northern Ireland Women’s U-16s against Iceland

Belgium WU16s’ goalkeeper is beaten during the defeat by Spain. (Bob Hall Sports Photography)

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