FT: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Turkey
Republic of Ireland kicked off the Carla Ward era in style with a 1-0 win over Turkey. A first half Kyra Carusa goal was all that seperated the two sides in their Nations League B Group 2 opener.
Some understandable nerves were evident in the opening stages. Despite many of the old guard remaining, the loss of Julie Ann Russell, Diane Caldwell and Niamh Fahey, coupled with a new backroom squad, it took some time for Ireland to click.
Turkey flew forward straight off the bat, and pushed Ireland deep into their own half. But two corners were all they could muster up, as from then on Ireland took full control.
A sudden shift in momentum was swayed by an ambitious effort from distance by Ruesha Littlejohn, who had spotted goalkeeper Selda Akgoz off her line. Unfortunately, her shot went narrowly over the bar.
A penalty shout was then denied for Ireland, after Carusa appeared to be shoved on the edge of the box by Gulbin Hiz, with Carusa’s foot still stood on the line.
Despite the new regime, some old tricks were kept. Megan Campbell’s ferocious long throw sparked a brief moment of chaos in the Turkey box, with O’Sullivan’s shot blocked off the line.
Denise O'Sullivan sees her shot cleared off the line #COYGIG
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 21, 2025
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As Ireland continued to push for an opener, one common theme was a string of loose passes across the park.
The best example was a misplaced pass from Megan Campbell, which almost gifted the visitors a goal. Luckily for her, goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was alert to clear her lines, and keep Ireland level.
As the Girls in Green kept the pressure on, they finally got their reward at the end of the half. Carusa, who had been central to most of the team’s best forward play, netted her 10th goal for her country.
An incisive pass from Mannion found Sheva, who flicked it to Payne. A lovely whipped cross was sent in for the goalscorer. The San Diego Wave forward’s header was lifted over the keeper, and dropped into the back of the net.
Kyra Carusa's looping header in stoppage team ensures the Republic of Ireland lead Turkey 1-0 at half-time in their Nations League encounter. #COYGIG
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 21, 2025
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As Turkey struggled to find an answer, frustrations grew on the field. Pekel was given a brief warning for delaying a throw-in before a card was issued to Seker.
Pushing for a second, Ward called to the bench for the first time in her reign. Carusa and Quinn made way for Abbie Larkin and Amber Barrett.
With 25 minutes to go, Turkey finally coughed up their first shot on goal. A low curled cross from Pekel found Keskin, who could only guide a weak effort wide straight towards Brosnan, who collected with ease.
However, they did nearly equalise straight from a corner that was drilled in by Seker. Luckily for Ireland, Campbell leapt to the rescue and hooked it off the line with a header.
Barrett appeared as though she had doubled the lead as the ball fell in her path following a poor headed clearance, but she scuffed the chance and Ireland remained just one goal ahead.
Turkey nearly stole a late point in additional time, as a Topcu free kick fell to Karabulut. With the goal at her mercy, she slipped her shot wide of the post.
It was also a special night for Denise O'Sullivan, who won Player of the Match on her 120th Irish cap. While Ireland might regret not taking advantage of some of their chances, they'll be happy that a win on the opening night leaves them second in the table behind Slovakia.
Full Time: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Turkey
Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Megan Campbell (86), Aoife Mannion, Heather Payne, Ruesha Littlejohn (77), Denise O’Sullivan, Katie McCabe (c), Anna Patten, Lucy Quinn (62), Kyra Carusa (62), Marissa Sheva
Substitutes: Grace Moloney, Sophie Whitehouse, Jessie Stapleton, Caitlin Hayes (86), Megan Connolly (77), Amber Barrett (62), Tyler Toland, Melisa Filis, Abbie Larkin (62), Emily Murphy, Isibeal Atkinson
Turkey: Selda Akgoz (c); Sejde Abrahamsson, Meryem Ca (81)l, Melike Pekel (81), Ebru Topcu, Ece Turkoglu (71), Ilayda Civelek, Busem Seker, Elif Keskin (90+3), Gulbin Hiz, Fatma Sakar
Substitutes: Ezgi Caglar, Gamze Yaman, Yasam Goksu, Didem Karagenc (90+3), Eda Karatas, Miray Cin, Arzu Karabulut (71), Kader Hancar (81), Melike Ozturk, Derya Arhan, Kezban Tag, Basak Icinozbebek (81)
Referee: Reka Molnar (HUN)
Attendance: 8,071
