The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the Women’s European Championship in 2022 are over after they were beaten 3-1 at home by Germany in their final Group I match.
Vera Pauw’s Ireland slipped from second to a third-placed finish following the defeat at Tallaght Stadium, being replaced by Ukraine, who won 2-1 at home against Montenegro.
Germany, already confirmed as group winners, took the lead in the 21st minute via a Lina Magull penalty after Katie McCabe fouled Svenja Huth, and Tabea Wassmuth doubled the advantage eight minutes later.
The hosts pulled a goal back just before half-time when Marina Hegering brought down Denise O’Sullivan and skipper McCabe converted the resulting spot-kick, but they could not add to that and Wassmuth notched her second with five minutes of normal time to go.
The Ukraine win meant Pauw’s side would have needed to beat Germany to have retained second spot.
As well as group winners, the three runners-up with the best records also qualify for the finals in England, while the remainder of the second-placed teams go into the play-offs next year.
