Portugal 1 Rep Ireland 0:The Republic of Ireland's under-21 side suffered their first ever defeat in the Madeira Invitational Tournament yesterday, when they were narrowly beaten by Portugal in Machico.
A stunning first-half strike by Sporting Lisbon midfielder Celestino was all the separated the sides in a tense encounter.
The Irish, who won this tournament last year and also in 2004, had never lost a game in their three visits to this event.
Portugal, who will compete at the World Youth Championships in Canada this summer, won this year's competition thanks to Celestino's 39th minute goal.
Played in searing heat, it was a testing encounter for the Irish but they could consider themselves unlucky not to get at least a draw.
Portugal did hit the crossbar in the 26th minute through captain Paulo Renato but rarely troubled Irish goalkeeper James Russell.
Celestino's 30-yard effort gave Russell no chance and put his side in front at the break.
Ireland had two clear penalty appeals waved away - in the 61st minute when Ross Gaynor seemed to be taken down by Mano, then David Bracken looked to be fouled in the 85th minute.
Kieran Murphy was also unfortunate with a header narrowly over from close range after connecting with a right wing cross by James Simmonds in the 67th minute.
PORTUGAL: Patricio; Mano, Correia, Carrico, Renato, Pele, Condesso, Celestino, Ribeiro, Zequinha, Guedes. Subs: Caiado for Ribeiro (45 mins); Pinheiro for Renato (45); Coelho for Condesso (63); Pedro for Guedes (70); Zezinando for Zequinha (81).
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Russell (Chelsea); O'Cearuill (Arsenal), Powell (Bohemians), Murphy (MK Dons), O'Halloran (Aston Villa), Simmonds (Chelsea), Chambers (Shelbourne), Kelly (Bohemians), Morris (Scunthorpe), O'Brien (Celtic), Gaynor (Millwall). Subs: Hayes (Reading) for Kelly (54 mins); Curran (Sligo Rovers) for O'Cearuill (70); Bracken (Glenavon) for Gaynor (80).
Referee: P Paraty (Portugal)
