Ireland off to a EURO flier
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Article summary
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Hungary Katie Taylor and Susan Byrne ensured Ireland came from a goal down as UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying began.
Article body
The Republic of Ireland have got the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying round under way with a 2-1 home win against Hungary at Tolka Park.
Byrne winner
The visitors took the lead in this Group 2 contest through Anita Pádár just before the half-hour but Ireland battled back to equalise through a 30-metre Katie Taylor shot as the interval approached. Susan Byrne then struck in the second half following Sharon Boyle's free-kick to send the home crowd home happy.
King 'thrilled'
Qualifying system
Sweden and Romania are the other teams involved in this section with a total of 30 countries all bidding to join Finland in the 12-team finals next year. The winners of all six groups will earn an automatic place, while the runners-up and best four third-place teams will play off in October 2008 for the remaining five berths.
