Republic of Ireland 2 Colombia 3(after extra-time)
The Republic of Ireland suffered a heartbreaking extra-time defeat at the hands of Colombia to end their involvement in the FIFA World Youth Championships tonight.
After Ireland had fought back from two goals down with just minutes remaining, a golden goal by Erwin Carrillo took
Edixon Perea had given the South Americans the perfect start with a goal after six minutes and a superb first-time 20-yard drive from Victor Montano, 15 minutes from time, appeared to have killed off Irish hopes.
However, Gerry Smith's side fought back and with just five minutes to go, Kevin Doyle pulled one back after benefiting from some sloppy defending in the Colombian box.
Then, as the seconds ebbed away in the second minute of injury-time, a long range free-kick was met by Paddy McCarthy whose header beat the Colombia 'keeper for a miraculous equaliser.
The momentum seemed to be with Ireland as the match entered extra-time but Carrillo's strike following a cutback from the byline proved decisive and eliminated Ireland from the tournament.
Colombia into the quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 win.
