30.04.05 Poland 3 - 1 Northern Ireland

Situated in the mountainous region of Altburon, the setting for Northern Ireland's final Group 7 game, could not have been more magnificent. Our girls started the game well, with Rachel Furness whipping a free kick into the box in the fourth minute, which Kellie Leyland just narrowly put past the Polish net.

Despite this early scare, Poland began to take control of the game and in the 20th minute a corner kick was easily headed into the net when # 11, Bkazeyevska found herself completely unmarked in the box. Northern Ireland responded well to Poland's opening goal and created several chances, with the best one falling to Julie McLaughlin on the stroke of the half-time whistle. Following a weaving run from Furness on the left wing, she delivered an amazing cross field ball, but unfortunately McLaughlin was unable to keep the ball on target with her explosive shot.

Northern Ireland continued to battle in the second half and rewarded with a goal in the 67th minute following pressure on the defence by Naomh Larkham and Lynne McFrederick, resulting a Polish own goal. Ecstatic, Northern Ireland continued to surge forward, now obviously looking for the three points. However, three minutes later, Northern Ireland suffered a tremendous blow, when Poland scored their second of the game after catching the Northern Ireland defence of guard. In the 78th minute the victory was sealed when Bkazeyevska got her second of the game with a driven shot from the edge of the box.

Final score Poland 3 - Northern Ireland 1