Jodie Loughrey plays, but Ireland U19s pipped by Germany at European Championships

Buncrana woman Jodie Loughrey played the full 90 minutes on Thursday as the Republic of Ireland Women's U19s lost narrowly to Germany at the 2024 UEFA Women's U19 Championships.

Having battled to a 0-0 draw with holders Spain in Monday's opener in Lithuania, the Girls in Green were beaten 2-1 by Germany.

Leonie Schetter and Laila Portella netted the second-half goals as the Germans came from behind to win after Lia O'Leary put Ireland in front.

Loughrey, who plays in the Women's Premier Division with Sligo Rovers, lined out again from the start while her sister Keri Loughrey was an unused substitute on Dave Connell's squad.

Ireland were handed a tough group alongside holders Spain, the last tournament's runners-up Germany and Netherlands.

Ireland took the lead just after the half-hour mark.

A long pass from Kate Thompson was laid off by Joy Ralph to Meabh Russell who swung over a long cross to the back post where O'Leary volleyed the ball first time and it struck the post on the way into the net.

Germany levelled matters on 71 minutes through a superb long-range effort from Schetter as she picked the ball up on the right side and let loose with a fierce shot.

Portella then put Germany in front on 77 minutes when she directed a cross from Tessa Blumenberg into the net as she beat goalkeeper Katie Keane to it.

Connell's team kept fighting right until the end to find an equaliser but Germany had done enough to win it.

Ireland are back in action at 12 noon on Sunday when they face Netherlands at Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje.