Kearns hopes Republic of Ireland can finish on a high
A PLACE at this summer's UEFA Women's Under 19 European Championships is still within reach for the Republic of Ireland, and they will be doing all they can to grasp it.
Currently in elite phase qualifying, Ireland sit on three points in Group 1 following a narrow defeat to leaders Germany and a resounding 3-0 triumph over Azerbaijan during the week. So it's all to play for in today's final qualifier against Poland in Tallaght Stadium (2 p.m.).
Mayo's Rachel Kearns, a newcomer to a squad packed with 13 players who have already featured at a European Championship finals, is hoping for a good win in today's final qualifying game.
“We can take a lot of positives from our first two games, particularly the win (over Azerbaijan), and we know that nothing less than a win keeps us in the hunt for the best runners-up spot,” stated Kearns, who came on as a substitute against both Germany and Azerbaijan.
The situation going into the final round of games is that with Germany leading the group on six points, Ireland need them to slip up against Azerbaijan and overcome Poland themselves to top the group. Otherwise, they require some luck in finishing as the best-placed runner-up overall.
Luck is something Kearns feels had always evaded her with regard to international football until she finally made the breakthrough into Connell's squad for these qualifiers. She has more than proved worthy of her place, though, as a direct attacker who combines physicality with an eye for goal.
Not that she is taking anything for granted. “It was hard to get into this squad because they have been with each other through the ranks and they have done brilliantly,” she explained, “but I just had to keep on going.”
She added: “It is a great group to be involved in and I just have to keep on working hard to try to get into the team. But we play as a team and everyone wants the team to win first and foremost.”
Ireland play Poland in Tallaght Stadium while Germany face Azerbaijan in Tolka Park (moved from Richmond Park). Both games commence at 2 p.m.