The 2019 World University Games, hosted by Italy in Naples, commenced on the 2nd July and saw our Republic of Ireland Women’s team, guided by Dave Connell, defeat defending champions Brazil by one goal to nil in their opening Pool C encounter.
The winning goal in the Stadio San Mauro, Casoria came after seventy one minutes from a stunning thirty yard strike by Lauren Kelly.
In the three team pool, Ireland took on South Korea at 5pm this Thursday afternoon again in Stadio San Mauro where two first half goals from Eleanor Ryan Doyle underpinned a two one victory. Ireland are now through to the knock-out quarter-finals which are set for Monday afternoon and evening.
The Republic of Ireland, led by Greg Yelverton, is also represented in the men’s competition where they have been drawn in Pool A alongside South Korea and Uruguay who met on Tuesday afternoon in Stadio Pinto where South Korea prevailed by two goals to one.
Ireland commenced their challenge this Friday evening against South Korea in Stadio San Mauro and recovered from conceding an early goal to record a three two victory. South Korea were reduced to ten men on thirty six minutes but it was not until the 60th minute that the equaliser arrived courtesy of Cillian Duffy. The victory was secured by captain Alan O’Sullivan who converted penalty kicks on the 64th and 79th minutes. South Korea did score a second on 83 minutes which made for a nervous ending to the contest.
Ireland topped their Group with a one all draw against Uruguay on Sunday afternoon in Stadio Pinto. Captain Alan O’Sullivan was again on the mark, putting Ireland in front on twenty minutes but Uruguay equalised from the penalty spot seven minutes later.