Thor KA (UEFA Womens Qualifiers)

Wexford paid the price for an extremely slow start but would have found it difficult to cope in any event against what was the most physically imposing women’s side I’ve ever seen. While not the most technically gifted team with the exception of the foreign imports, Thor Ka had a level of conditioning and fitness which very definitely left Wexford in the shade. Again, the impression was definitely given that, like Ajax, Thor Ka are a full-time side. Wexford started with Sophie, Nicola, Lauren, Lolly, Doireann, Aisling, Kylie, Edel, Emma, Orla and with Rianna up front.

Wexford didn’t start at all well and basically conceded three goals from Thor’s first three attacks. To their credit, Wexford matched their opponents from then on but the damage had already been done. On five minutes, a good cross from the right by Thor found Jessen in space and she finished neatly for 1-0 to Thor. After a good volley by Kylie Murphy which Bukovic grabbed easily in goal for Thor, it was 2-0 on nine minutes when a Thor corner to the far post found one of their many tall players free for an easy header. Jonsdottir then made it 3-0 from another Thor cross and Wexford looked in deep trouble. With the massive Vinnsdottir shackling Rianna Jarrett up front for Wexford, it took a long time for Wexford to create a chance which Rianna eventually got on 32 minutes, but Bukovic made a good save look easy. Sophie Lenehan then produced a reaction save to keep out a half-volley from the Mexican, Mayer, who was probably the best technical player on the pitch, and it was 3-0 at half-time.

Second half saw Wexford playing for pride only, and they definitely upped their game to limit any further chances for Thor. Wexford had two chances to notch a goal in this half but again Bukovic proved equal to the two further attempts on goal by Rianna Jarrett. Subs for Wexford in this half were Katrina Parrock, McKenna Davidson and Aoife Slattery. Those who had also seen Thor against Linfield reckoned that the Icelandic side will give Ajax a real challenge in their final match. With Linfield having made Ajax look quite ordinary once they closed down the key Ajax play-maker, Zeeman, Wexford will do well to take the three points from Linfield in their final match on Monday.

A little bit of googling has indicated what WYW were up against last night. Thor KA have four internationals from Iceland who are ranked 19 in the FIFA rankings, three Mexican internationals who are ranked 25 in the world, and the Croatian keeper (Bukovec) who are ranked 53. Wexford have one current international playing for Ireland who are ranked 31.