Ireland suffer cruel defeat

UEFA UNDER-19 ELITE QUALIFIER/Portugal 1 Republic of Ireland 0:NOW WITH qualification out of their hands, Paul Doolin admits his Republic of Ireland under-19s require an unlikely set of results to top their four-nation group and reach the European Championships.

Ireland face Ukraine in Parchal today (4pm) still reeling from Saturday’s opening day defeat to mini-group hosts Portugal. After dominating for large spells and missing a penalty, a draw was the least the Irish deserved but an 87th minute own-goal by substitute Michael Barker secured three points for the Portuguese.

Doolin said: “Seldom does a team beaten in their first game qualify when there’s only one place on offer. Yet, beating Ukraine could change things and give us a chance heading into the last game on Thursday against Israel. That’s all we wanted coming out here.

“It’s hard to know if Portugal will drop points in their two remaining matches but they won’t get a more difficult test than the one we gave them. I think it’s fair to say we battered them and a neutral watching the game might have thought Portugal were in white (Ireland’s colours in the match).”

Indeed, Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rafael Veloso denied Ireland’s Anthony Forde on 10 minutes from the penalty spot, both the initial attempt and the retake signalled after the officials spotted him fleeing off his goal-line.

The unmarked Watford’s Seán Murray couldn’t convert from six yards when John O’Sullivan picked him out at the back post while Samir Carruthers saw his low drive early in the second half batted away by Veloso.

From a counter-attack off an Ireland free-kick, Portugal’s Esgaio surged down the right flank before zipping a delivery to the back post where substitute Barker was unable to prevent the ball striking his legs and creeping over the line.

PORTUGAL: Veloso; Ferreira, Olori, Martins, Ca; Bruma, Joao Mario, Esgaio, Cancelo; To-Ze, Cafu. Subs: Gomes for Cafu, Betinho for To-Ze (both 64 mins), Edgar Ie for Olori (70 mins).

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: McDermott (Arsenal); Morrissey (Trieste), Byrne (Rochdale), Williams (Aston Villa), Garmston (West Brom); Carruthers (Aston Villa), O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Sutherland (QPR); Murray (Watford), O’Brien (Millwall), Forde (Wolves). Subs: Barker (Bohemians) for Morrissey (half-time), Kavanagh (Fulham) for Garmston (76).

Referee: A Boucaut (Belgium).