Chlumecká kick-starts Czech bid

The Czech Republic came from behind to open their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying Group 1 campaign with a comeback victory thanks to a Gabriela Chlumecká hat-trick.

Swift equaliser
Northern Ireland were playing their first home qualifier in this competition since 1990 and ten minutes into the fixture in Coleraine led through a Sarah McFadden long-range chip. However, 44 seconds later Chlumecká equalised as she headed in a corner.

Hat-trick complete
Julie Nelson pucked up a second yellow card in the second half and with the extra player advantage the Czechs rallied and Chlumecká struck twice in the final ten minutes to clinch the game. Northern Ireland, whose campaign opened with a 4-0 loss in England, go to Belarus on 1 August, 25 days before the Czechs visit the same location.