Republic of Ireland beaten by Slovenia in Nations League
Dejection for Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe as Slovenia celebrate scoring
- Published
The Republic of Ireland went down to a 4-0 defeat by a clinical Slovenia side in their second Uefa Nations League game.
The hosts led 3-0 at the break thanks to ruthless finishing as they cut through the Irish defence and capitalised on their chances.
Slovenia struck after just three minutes with Lara Prasnikar firing past Courtney Brosnan and into the top corner.
The striker flicked in at the near-post to double the lead before Zara Kamsar added the third with a close-range finish.
The visitors dominated the second half but failed to find the net again until substitute Nina Kajzba blasted home after 82 minutes in a rare Slovenia attack.
Denise O'Sullivan went closest for the Irish by hitting the crossbar a minute later on what was a frustrating night for the team.
Carla Ward started her reign as Republic of Ireland manager with a win over Turkey on Friday night but she have much to ponder after this disappointing performance.
Perfect start for hosts
It was the perfect start for Slovenia as they sought to make it two wins from two games after beating Greece in their opening Nations League game on Friday.
Kramzar's long pass found an unmarked Prasnikar and she race through before placing her shot beyond Brosnan and into the net.
The Republic threatened a quick response to going a goal down with Zala Mersnik at full stretch to keep out O'Sullivan's strike but that was as good as it got for the visitors in the opening half.
Eintract Frankfurt forward Prasnikar completed her double on 28 minutes with a volleyed finish from Kaja Korosec's corner as the hosts extended their lead.
Their third arrived six minutes later after another flowing move ended with Maja Sternard setting up Kamzar to slide the ball in at the back-post.
Only a fine save from Brosnan denied Slovakia a fourth before the break as she blocked Sternard's effort.
Former Aston Villa boss Ward was appointed Republic of Ireland manager in January
Irish kept at bay
Slovenia sat back on their lead in the second half but Carla Ward's side were unable to turn dominance in possession into goals.
Kyra Carusa headed wide from Katie McCabe's deep cross before O'Sullivan sent a dipping shot wide.
The North Carolina Courage captain had another effort to give the visitors a fighting chance but missed out when Mersnik made a fine save to keep out her low strike.
Mersnik was back in action again to make a save from a fierce McCabe shot as the Irish pushed hard to get back in the game.
Their hopes were finally ended by Kajzba as she found space before rifling into the corner of the net.
The Republic kept pressing and were so close to getting on the scoresheet when O'Sullivan was denied by the woodwork.