Ireland’s miserable run of form continued as they lost their seventh consecutive game tonight in Rejkavik, 2-0 courtesy of Berglind Bjorg Thorvaldsdottir’s and Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir’s second half goals.

The visitors improved from their poor display in last week’s 3-2 loss to Iceland but nevertheless their inferior international ranking showed as they were well beaten.

Before kick-off, the odds were stacked against Vera Pauw’s side as Ireland are currently 34^th in the world rankings, 17 places behind their opponents.

The pressure continues to mount on Pauw, with their poor run of form following a dismal European Championships qualification campaign in which they failed to qualify for the postponed tournament; set to be played next Summer.

Unlike the previous encounter between the two sides, Ireland started the game well and enjoyed plenty of possession and territory in an even first half.

The closest Ireland came to a goal was through Megan Connolly’s long-range effort that was well struck and required a decent save by homeside goalkeeper Cecila Ran Runarsdottir.

Iceland looked threatening in the first half but vital last ditch defending by the likes of Louise Quinn kept the scores level at the interval.

The hosts took the lead through Thorvaldsdottir, after a long looping ball into the box split the two centre backs and the unmarked striker rolled the ball underneath Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.

Just moments later, Iceland should have made it 2-0, as substitute Andrea Ran Snaefeld Hauksdottir squandered an empty net just five yards out.

Iceland later went close once more through goalscorer Thordvaldsdottir, as the hosts began to dominate proceedings and their superior quality began to show.

Bayern Munich striker Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir doubled Iceland’s lead through a powerful long-range effort that flew into the bottom corner, leaving Brosnan with no chance.

Denise O’Sullivan went close late on for Ireland, but they failed to create enough to get themselves back into the game, after going behind.

Next up for Ireland is a World Cup qualifier away to Georgia, before a home-tie against Sweden. Both matches are in September.

Whilst, Iceland continue their preparation for next year’s European Championships with World Cup qualifiers at home to Netherlands and Czech Republic. 

Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland endured poor preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers as they fell to a 3-2 defeat to Iceland at Laugardalsvollur stadium.

Ireland’s loss condemns them to their sixth straight defeat, adding to further woes after missing out on qualification for next year’s European Championships.

A crowd of 1,500 fans were allowed inside Laugardalsvollur Stadium and their Viking clapping supporters were treated to a brilliant start made by the hosts.

It took the hosts just 11 minutes to break the deadlock after dominating the opening stages.

Goalkeeper Sandra Sigurdardottir produced a pin-point goal kick that picked out Agla Maria Albertsdottir, who caught the Ireland defence napping and cooly lobbed Ireland keeper Grace Moloney.

Three minutes later, Iceland’s lead was doubled by captain Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir, after a good ball into the box was poorly dealt with by the Ireland defence and the skipper pounced with a good finish from two yards out.

Reading keeper Moloney almost committed an error to make it 3-0 as she produced a poor pass that picked out Jonsdottir, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

A very long night looked on the cards for Ireland as they found themselves under immense pressure as the hosts went close through Elin Jensen and Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir.

Iceland made it three through West Ham player Dagny Brynjarsdottir, after a shot from outside the box hits the post and fell to the midfielder who pounced on the loose ball.

It was terrible reactions by the Ireland defence as concentration looked a key issue for Pauw’s side.

Playing with rather than against the strong wind in the second half, Ireland responded well and improved their performance.

Heather Payne’s goal pulled one back after being picked out by a decent ball to score from close range.

Captain Katie McCabe consistently put good balls into the box, but the away attackers just couldn’t capitalise on the numerous opportunities.

Substitute striker Amber Barrett scored in injury time with a good finish from a cute angle but the comeback proved too little too late.

The two teams play again on Tuesday evening, once more at Laugardalsvollur Stadium.