Northern Ireland enjoyed a superb win over Germany in their final UEFA Women’s Under-17 Euro 2026 group game this afternoon.
Midfielder Charlotte Havern’s second half goal was enough to secure an historic victory at Inver Park in Larne.
Northern Ireland knew before the match that they could only finish fourth in Group A following defeats to England and Norway.
However, they once again showed grit and determination to defeat the table toppers and finish the tournament on a high.
Gail Redmond’s team defended superbly against the Germans in front of 704 spectators at Inver Park.
The WU17s boss made just one change to the side that started the 3-0 defeat to Norway in Northern Ireland’s second Group A match. Sydney Wilson replaced fellow attacker Anna Rose Robinson.
Germany, who had already qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament after winning their opening two games, pressed from the start.
In the eighth minute Northern Ireland keeper Ifeoma Agoha saved a low drive from Germany forward Johanna Putzer. Minutes later Agoha kept out a Putzer header.
On 17 minutes Germany striker Clara Choisy fired a shot off target and then Agoha confidently grabbed a well-struck corner from Choisy.
Germany continued to enjoy the bulk of possession as Northern Ireland defended resolutely.
Midfielder Dana Kessler was the next German player to have an effort on goal. Agoha was equal to it. And Mia Khun had a shot from distance which was easily collected by the Northern Ireland keeper.
On 33 minutes Choisy showed some neat footwork before firing in a low shot which Agoha saved comfortably.
Two minutes later Germany captain Fiona Itgenshorst drilled a shot over the bar and then Putzer struck the woodwork with a long-range strike before Agoha pushed away a low drive from Kuhn.
Both striker Sydney Wilson and midfielder Heidi Curran had shots blocked as Northern Ireland threatened down the other end.
As half-time approached Choisy burst forward and let fly. Her powerful shot hit the outside of the post.
After the break Germany pushed forward again. Substitute Greta Hohensee put a shot wide before Putzer fizzed a shot past the upright.
Substitute Anna Rose Robinson scooped a shot well wide after the lively Emilee Leacock had forced a corner.
On 60 minutes Agoha clawed out a close range strike from Kuhn, while Sara Devany made an important interception as Kuhn jinked her way into the area.
In the 68th minute Agoha produced an excellent save to keep out a powerful strike from Putzer.
Hohensee drilled a shot off target as Germany pressed and Northern Ireland defended superbly.
In the 77th minute Northern Ireland scored what proved to be the winner. Captain Chloe Beckinsale fired a free-kick into the danger zone where the ball was headed up into the air by German substitute Laura Ernst. Abbie Smyth met her clearance and clipped in a shot which Germany keeper Annika Dubel pushed out and Charlotte Havern was on hand to tuck the ball home from close range. There were absolute scenes at Inver.
Germany tried to respond quickly. Kuhn fired a free-kick onto the top of the net.
Northern Ireland substitute Maja Stachura played a lovely pass to the advancing Smyth, however Dubel raced off her line to clear the ball.
Smyth then had a low shot which was scooped up by Dubel, while Putzer put another effort over the top.
Then it was into six minutes of added time.
Kuhn scooped a free-kick wide as Germany went in search of an equaliser.
It was backs to the wall for Northern Ireland at that stage. Agoha produced another superb save, pushing a low shot from substitute Lena Joy Martens onto the base of the post.
Dana Kessler blasted a shot well wide after that, while Devany prevented substitute Marie Kleemann from getting a shot away. And that was the last meaningful action of the game.
It was Northern Ireland's first win at a UEFA Women's U17 Euros.
Afterwards WU17s boss Gail Redmond said: “I was absolutely delighted with the performance. To beat Germany in a major tournament is a fantastic achievement. This group (of players) is very special.
“But this has been a collective effort. The clubs and leagues, especially the South Belfast Youth League, have been so supportive on the journey to the finals.
“The pathway coaches and my staff deserve an incredible amount of credit. I am proud to be the leader of this team.”
Germany will be joined by Norway in the last four. The Norwegians drew with England today to finish second in Group A.
The other semi-finalists will be confirmed tomorrow. France are already through, however Spain and Poland will meet in Larne to decide who will finish second in Group B and progress to the last four.
Tickets for the final two group games, the semi-finals and the final at the WU17 Euros in Northern Ireland are available at irishfa.com/wu17euro.
Germany: Annika Dubel, Lynn Feiertag, Muriel Durr, Laura Dafinger, Laura Fuhler, Dana Kessler, Victoria Saring, Fiona Itgenshorst (captain), Clara Choisy, Johanna Putzer, Mia Kuhn.
Substitutes: (used) Laura Ernst, Valentina Lutz, Greta Hohensee, Lena Joy Martens, Marie Kleemann; (unused) Mirja Kropp (GK), Eva Hell, Johanna Hebben, Mia Giesen.
Northern Ireland: Ifeoma Agoha, Daisy Moore, Holly Hilton, Sara Devany, Chloe Beckinsale (captain), Mirjana Karrabecaj, Emilee Leacock, Heidi Curran, Sydney Wilson, Abbie Smyth, Charlotte Havern.
Substitutes: (used) Zion Donnan, Anna Rose Robinson, Maja Stachura; (unused) Sophie Glover (GK), Ava Hurl, Siun Kirby, Ellie McGarrigle, Grace Steele.
Action from Larne
