The 28-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion player was one of the stars of a gritty performance that saw Ireland come from behind to win despite losing two players in the first half through injury. According to Perry the performance spoke volumes about the determination of the team to qualify for the European finals in the Netherlands.
“It was a tough battle but going out there we knew what we had to do,” said Perry. “We trained really, really hard this week and everyone had their sights set on getting the three points so we were absolutely delighted with the win. It was a tough battle but we showed so much grit and determination to get those three points that we thoroughly deserved it.”
Perry felt that win was the perfect response to the defeat by Finland in the team’s opening qualifier at Tallaght Stadium last month.
“We were so disappointed after that game because we believed we should have got more out of it. We were on top of them for most of the game and the score didn’t reflect that. Coming away from that game everybody thought to themselves the next game is Portugal and we need to put it right and on reflection we certainly did that yesterday.”
There was a sense of deja vue when Portugal took the lead after Ireland had created two excellent early chances but Perry felt the manner in which the side came back was another example of the character that permeates this particular group.
“It is always a setback to go behind but it shows character and determination to come back from a goal down and win the game. We were composed, we stuck to our game plan and it just goes to show that this team has got great character and determination to do well in this competition.”
She added that Aine O’Gorman’s second goal showed that the side is also capable of playing good football as well as being potent from set-pieces like the one which yielded Louise Quinn’s opening goal.
“When you see Louise go up for corners you always know she is going to get something on it. The second goal was brilliant play and it just goes to show that we have been working really hard this week and we have been playing really good football. It was great play from Katie and to finish it off with a goal just goes to show that we have got quality throughout this team.”
Urged on by the noisy crowd in the 3,200 attendance, Portugal threw everything at an Irish team that had seen Karen Duggan and Megan Campbell go off with injuries before half-time but Perry said they were determined not to let the home side back into the game.
“We stayed tight, we stayed compact, we knew our roles and responsibilities and as a back four they weren’t going to break us down. To the 95th minute we were chucking in last ditch tackles and putting our necks on the line. We would have done it to the 98th minute if necessary.”
Next up for the side is Spain in Tallaght Stadium next month and with the Spanish opening their campaign with a 2-1 win away to group leaders Finland, the game represents another opportunity for the Irish to lay down an important marker according to Perry.
“This is a massive game for us because obviously Spain are top seeds. Beating Portugal has put us in a great position to take on Spain and show them what we can do. We played them before, we know what they can do and I feel we have a great opportunity to nick three points from them. We just need the support from the crowd. That’s always a bonus and that always spurs you on to get the win.”