By Q Radio Sport
Northern Ireland lost 2-0 against Spain at Windsor Park last night in their opening match of the European Under-19 Women's Championship.
The game was played after the opening ceremony and attracted a record crowd for a women's match here of almost 4,300
Lucia Garcia put Spain ahead on the half hour mark, before captain Patricia Guijarro doubled their lead on 52 minutes.
Northern Ireland boss Alfie Wylie had plenty of praise for his players after a battling performance against one of the top teams in the tournament.
NI boss @AlfieWylie proud of his "history-makers" after their battling 2-0 defeat v Spain in @WU19EURO2017 opener pic.twitter.com/pYmDNpAN8B
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 8, 2017
Ni Boss Alfie Wylie praises his young side after the game
"Winners aren't judged by coming first" said Wylie "winners are people who come of the pitch with no regrets, they couldn't have given anymore"
"They left nothing behind" added Wylie "and that's why we're so proud of them."
Two of the young stars Lauren Perry (16) and Emily Wilson (15) after NI's heroic effort v Spain @WU19EURO2017 pic.twitter.com/Z1qPIZLzuA
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 8, 2017
Northern Ireland's Lauren Perry and Emily Wilson after the game
Elsewhere in Group A, Germany comfortably beat Scotland 3-0.
While in Group B England were 2-1 winners over Italy at Mourneview Park. In the same group the Netherlands beat holders France 2-1 at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
Official attendance for Northern Ireland v Spain 4,289. @WU19EURO2017 pic.twitter.com/JAy0bxbFZc
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 8, 2017