2012 UEFA EUROPEAN UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST PHASE QUALIFYING: Rep of Ireland 3 Russia 1:THE REPUBLIC of Ireland confirmed their passage into the elite qualification phase by coming from behind to defeat nine-man Russia yesterday in their concluding first-phase qualifier.
Midway through the second half, Paul Doolin’s side were facing elimination from the four-nation pool when they trailed while mini-group hosts Bulgaria were level against the already-qualified Bosnia and Herzegovina in the other game which was played simultaneously.
Alisher Dzhalilov’s 22nd-minute strike was the difference between the nations at the break, but Ireland substitute Paul George supplied the crucial equaliser on 63 minutes. Inspired by the Celtic winger’s leveller, Ireland netted another three minutes later through George Smith.
Just as news filtered through that Bulgaria’s hopes of usurping the Irish for the second spot were dashed when Bosnia and Herzegovina retook the lead, Anthony Forde made the game safe for Ireland with a third goal 12 minutes from time.
The result left Russia exiting the tournament without a point from three matches and their frustration boiled over as they lost defenders Aleksandr Manyukov and Denis Kutin to red cards in the final half hour. Ireland can look forward to the elite stage draw on November 28th.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:McDermott (Arsenal); Barker (Bohemians), Byrne (Notts Forest), Hoban (Watford), McHugh (Dundalk); Smith (Southend United), O'Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Garmston (West Brom); Murray (Watford), Burke (Aston Villa), Forde (Wolves). Subs: George (Celtic) for Burke (50 mins), Morrissey (Trieste) for Barker (88).
