Several West Ham United women’s team players were in action for their respective nations on Tuesday evening as the September international break drew to a close.
Izzy Atkinson came off the bench for Republic of Ireland in their 4-0 UEFA Nations League Group Stage victory over Hungary at Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium.
The Girls in Green followed up a hardworking home win against neighbours Northern Ireland with a confident display against Hungary. Katie McCabe got things started and struck a tremendous 17th-minute cross from deep on the right that was emphatically headed home by the diving Catlin Hayes.
Then, just before the break, McCabe got on the scoresheet herself, firing in a 25-yard thunderbolt to set the away side well on their way.
In the second half, Atkinson earned her ninth cap for her country when she came off the bench, and her side extended their lead soon after.
Kyra Carusa nodded in Heather Payne’s weighted cross on 49 minutes, before she turned provider 20 minutes later, pulling the ball back for the impressive Denise O’Sullivan to sweep in a fourth.
Megan Walsh was an unused substitute in the victory.
The Girls in Green sit top of Group B1 and return to action at home against Albania in the October international break.
Elsewhere, Lisa Evans also came off the bench in the 74th minute to see Sophie Howard head in a last-gasp header to rescue a point for Scotland against Belgium at Hampden Park.
The Red Flames struck early into the second half through Kassandra Missipo and looked set to see the game out.
However, Leicester City defender Howard had other ideas, converting a header in the final seconds of the match to score Scotland’s first points in the Nations League.
Finally, Viviane Asseyi featured in the final moments of France’s narrow 1-0 against Austria.
Captain Wendie Renard headed the World Cup quarter-finalists in front after only five minutes at Generali Arena, and whilst Austria never really tested Herve Renard’s team, they themselves could never add to their solitary goal.
Asseyi came off the bench in the 86th minute, as France made it two wins from two in Group A2.
After our internationals return, watch West Ham United women's team in their first Barclays Women's Super League match of the season! Purchase your ticket by clicking on the graphic below!
