Wisconsin Soccer Central

Shannon Smyth (Mequon/Milwaukee DSHA) and the Republic of Ireland picked up another point in UEFA Women's World Cup qualifying on Thursday, getting a late own goal to avoid defeat in Croatia.

Defender Allison Scurich, a California native who played at Washington State, was ruled to have deflected in Diane Caldwell's header off a throw-in during the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time as Ireland and host Croatia drew 1-1 in Sinj. Coincidentally, Caldwell was credited with an own goal as the home side took the lead in the 11th minute.

Smyth played the full 90 minutes in her 26th cap for the Irish (1-0-1), who lead Group 1 with four points. However, Ireland is one of only two teams in the six-team group that has played more than one of its 10 qualifiers.

Only the group winner earns an automatic berth in the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada – reigning Women's World Cup and European champion Germany is heavily favored to win Group 1. The top four runners-up from the six groups will advance to playoffs for UEFA's final spot in the tournament.

The Republic of Ireland, which has lost just once in seven matches in 2013 (3-1-3), has never qualified for a major tournament. Their next match is Oct. 30 at Slovenia (1-0-0), and the team will resume qualifying in April.