Slovenia get the second half underway at Stadion Bonifika with the Republic of Ireland making a double switch at the interval.

Ruesha Littlejohn and Heather Payne depart as Carla Ward introduces Marissa Sheva and Tyler Toland in an attempt to salvage something from this contest.

A disastrous first half for Carla Ward's charges, who find themselves three goals behind at the break.

Lara Prasnikar's double and Zara Kramzar's strike have given the hosts a commanding lead, with the previously unbeaten Irish second-best in the opening 45 minutes.

Image source, Inpho

Sara Makovec pounces on a misplaced pass in the Irish half, threading a perfect through ball for Maja Sternard who races clear.

Her shot is fired straight at Courtney Brosnan, who makes a vital save to keep the hopes of a comeback alive.

Denise O'Sullivan tumbles under Kaja Korosec's challenge in the box with a half-hearted appeal for a penalty. Referee Michalina Diakow dismisses it without hesitation, pointing for a goal kick as the weak protests fade away.

Heather Payne delivers a cross following a more composed spell from the away side, with Denise O'Sullivan heavily involved. Slovenia captain Dominika Conc steps in decisively to clear the danger.

Amber Barrett unleashes a frustrated effort but watches as the ball sails harmlessly off-target.

Tempers flare as Denise O'Sullivan reacts to Izabela Krizaj's late challenge. Referee Michalina Diakow promptly produces yellow cards for both players.

Katie McCabe whips in a corner to the near post, but Zara Kramzar rises highest to head clear the danger for the hosts.

A bursting run forward sees Heather Payne latch onto Denise O'Sullivan's pass, but her effort lacks accuracy and power as Zala Mersnik makes a routine save.

Katie McCabe delivers a hopeful ball into the box, but it's straight at Lana Golob, who volleys away. Kaja Erzen completes the clearance as Carla Ward's side enjoys a spell of possession in the Slovenian half.

Amber Barrett creates a half-chance for herself, wriggling into space before unleashing a low drive from a tight angle that ripples the side netting.

Image source, Inpho

Kyra Carusa shows excellent footwork to evade Kaja Erzen on the wing, but her cross into the danger area is too close to Zala Mersnik, who gathers unchallenged.

Katie McCabe attempts to spark something for the visitors with a speculative effort from distance, but Dominika Conc positions herself perfectly to make the block.

Zara Kramzar finds space down the flank and picks out Maja Sternard in a dangerous position.

The striker attempts to cut the ball back across the penalty area, but Megan Connolly reacts sharply to clear the danger.

Kyra Carusa creates space for a shot which ricochets off a defender into Denise O'Sullivan's path.

The midfielder unleashes a powerful drive from the edge of the area, forcing Zala Mersnik into a smart save at her near post. The away side earn their first corner as they begin to respond to the early setback.

Kyra Carusa links up neatly with Katie McCabe, who delivers an inswinging cross towards the back post.

Slovenia goalkeeper Zala Mersnik reads the situation well, to gather the ball before any Irish attacker can connect.

The visitors get us underway at the Stadion Bonifika as this Nations League encounter begins.