Women's Nations League: Republic cruise to 4-0 win over Hungary in Budapest

Kyra Carusa heads home to put the Republic 3-0 in front in BudapestInpho

Kyra Carusa heads home to put the Republic 3-0 in front in Budapest

By Niall Keenan
Football writer

Republic of Ireland cruised to a 4-0 victory over Hungary in their second Women's Nations League game.

Following an impressive 3-0 win over Northern Ireland on Saturday, Caitlin Hayes sent the visitors on their way after 18 minutes.

A stunner from Katie McCabe doubled the advantage before the break.

Kyra Carusa steered a header home early in the second period before turning provider for Denise O'Sullivan, who added the fourth.

After an even opening quarter of an hour the Republic, world-ranked 24th and 18 places higher than their hosts, began to flex their muscles.

Having made her debut on Saturday, Hayes grabbed her first international goal by getting on the end of a delightful McCabe cross to head home.

Interim boss Eileen Gleeson eventually saw her side grab a deserved second before half-time as McCabe unleashed a fearsome drive from 25 yards, leaving Reka Szocs in the Hungary goal beaten all ends up.

After the interval, the visitors quickly put the game to bed. Heather Payne's weighted cross towards the back post was met perfectly by Carusa, who nodded in from close range.

The home side failed to threaten a response and struggling to cope with an Irish side seeded highest in League B.

Hungary have notched four wins in their last five games - albeit against nations all placed outside the world's top 60 - and the gulf in quality was clear to see.

A sweeping move from the Republic stretched the Hungary defence at their seams with Carusa ultimately providing the pull-back for O'Sullivan to sweep the ball home.

The Girls in Green sit top of B1 with six points from their opening two games and return to action at home to Albania on 27 October.

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