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Tuesday, May 12, 2026

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Northern Ireland sign off with historic win

Northern Ireland U17 1 Germany U17 0

Northern Ireland claimed a memorable 1-0 victory against Germany in their final UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship Group A match at Inver Park, Larne.

Charlotte Havern’s 77th minute goal proved decisive, giving Gail Redmond’s side a first-ever win at a UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship and sending the home crowd into raptures.

The result came despite Northern Ireland already knowing they would finish fourth in Group A following earlier defeats to England and Norway. Nevertheless, they produced a resilient and disciplined performance to defeat the group winners.

The hosts defended superbly in front of 704 spectators, limiting a strong German side – who had already secured semi final qualification – to few clear opportunities. Gail Redmond made one change from the side beaten 3-0 by Norway, with Sydney Wilson coming in for Anna Rose Robinson.

Germany started brightly and dominated possession. Ifeoma Agoha was called into action early, saving a low drive from Johanna Putzer and then denying the same player with a good stop from a header. Clara Choisy and Dana Kessler also had efforts, but Agoha remained solid throughout the first half.

Northern Ireland grew into the game and created occasional threats, with both Wilson and Heidi Curran seeing shots blocked. Germany came closest to scoring when Choisy struck the outside of the post just before the interval.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Germany pressing and Northern Ireland standing firm. Agoha produced several important saves, most notably clawing away a close range strike from Mia Kuhn and later keeping out a powerful effort from Putzer.

The breakthrough arrived in the 77th minute. Captain Chloe Beckinsale delivered a dangerous free kick into the box, which was headed up in the air by German substitute Laura Ernst. Abbie Smyth pounced on the loose ball, and although her shot was pushed out by keeper Annika Dubel, Havern was perfectly placed to tap home the rebound.

Germany pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to break through a determined Northern Ireland defence. Agoha made one final outstanding save, pushing a shot from substitute Lena Joy Martens onto the post, as the hosts held on for a famous win. It marked Northern Ireland’s first victory at a UEFA Women’s U17 Euros Finals match.

Germany will be joined in the semi finals by Norway, who finished second in Group A after drawing with England.

Northern Ireland Under-17: Ifeoma Agoha, Daisy Moore, Holly Hilton, Sara Devany, Chloe Beckinsale, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Emilee Leacock, Heidi Curran, Sydney Wilson, Abbie Smyth, Charlotte Havern. Subs: Zion Donnan, Anna Rose Robinson, Maja Stachura, Sophie Glover, Ava Hurl, Siun Kirby, Ellie McGarrigle, Grace Steele.