ALBENA, Bulgaria (Interstat) — The Republic of Ireland U19 women’s team opened its UEFA U19 Championship qualifying campaign with a 4-1 victory over Bulgaria U19 on Tuesday at Stadion Albena-1.

Substitute Anna Butler scored twice for the Irish, netting in the 16th and 41st minutes. Teammates Maeve Wollmer and Hannah Healy, also substitutes, added first-half goals in the 25th and 34th minutes, respectively. Bulgaria’s lone reply came from Raya Boneva in first-half stoppage time.

The result defied a pre-match statistical projection that favored the hosts. The Irish side began its qualifying group with a win, while Bulgaria started with a loss.