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REPORT | Finland 1-0 Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland went down to a 1-0 defeat to Finland in Helsinki in their fourth UEFA Nations League group game.

A second-half strike by Fredrik Jenson was the difference between the two teams in a game where Stephen Kenny’s men were denied numerous times by the home side’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

The Ireland manager made four changes to the starting XI that drew with Wales on Sunday afternoon with West Bromwich Albion’s Dara O’Shea making his senior Ireland debut. Sean Maguire, Daryl Horgan and the returning Aaron Connolly also started the game.

The first clear chance of the match fell for Ireland in the 12th minute. Maguire got down the left and found Horgan in the centre of the box, he laid it off to Jeff Hendrick whose goal-bound effort was blocked.

Connolly, who was a continued threat throughout the game, looked to test Hradecky’s goal with two long-range efforts but neither troubled the Finland stopper.

The home side had two big chances just before half-time. Teemu Pukki flashed an effort across Darren Randolph’s goal on 36 minutes then the Norwich City forward went close again, this time his effort hitting the side netting.

Ireland started the second half the brighter team. Jayson Molumby managed to break down the right and he crossed for Horgan however the Wycombe Wanderers winger couldn’t get a flick to turn it goalwards. Minutes later Ireland counter attacked through Connolly who drove at the Finnish backline and fired off an effort that was well stopped by Hradecky.

Still Ireland pushed forward and they struck the crossbar in the 63rd minute. Enda Stevens found himself in space in the Finnish area and his flicked effort beat the goalkeeper but not the crossbar. A minute later it was the turn of Ireland’s other full-back to go close, this time Doherty running onto a pass and drilling a ball just wide.

But it was Finland who took the lead in the 66th minute through Jensen. Pukki reacted quickest to Randolph’s goal kick when he stole the ball, squared it across goal and Jensen was able to turn the ball over the line to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Connolly had another chance on the Finland goal. He was left in space and was able to turn and get a shot away but again was thwarted by Hradecky.

With five minutes remaining Derby County’s Jason Knight was introduced for Molumby and made his first Ireland senior appearance.

As Ireland pushed for an equaliser they were denied twice by Hradecky late on. First he produced a finger-tip save to flick over a Doherty header, then in the final moments he somehow managed to get down to his right to palm away a Ronan Curtis header that looked to be heading for the bottom corner.

Speaking after the game Ireland manager Stephen Kenny said: “It’s disappointing to lose the game. Matt Doherty had a header over the bar and he shot wide, Aaron Connolly had two efforts, Enda Stevens hit the bar and Ronan Curtis came close, and that was only in the last half-an-hour.

“Overall the players showed their undoubted commitment by pushing right to the end and continuously pushing for that equaliser and showed a fair bit of quality. Maybe our finishing let us down but the goalkeeper Hradecky played really well.

“The young players who have come in have shown a good mentality and I’d be optimistic they’ll go on and be important players for Ireland.”

Finland: Hradecky (GK); Granlund, Uronen, Arajuuri, Toivio; Kamara (Schüller, 75), Sparv (C) Taylo, Soiri (Niskanen, 46); Jensen, Pukki.

Unused substitutes: Joronen (GK), Mäenpää (GK), Ojala, Karjalainen, Väisänen, Pirinen, Alho, Kauko, Pohjanpalo, Raitala.

Republic of Ireland: Randolph (GK), Doherty, Stevens, Duffy (C), O’Shea; Hourihane, Hendrick (Idah, 75), Molumby (Knight, 84); Horgan (Curtis, 75), Maguire (Brady ,53), Connolly.

Unused substitutes: Travers (GK), Kelleher (GK), K. Long, S. Long, Cullen, Manning, Christie.

Referee: Lionel Tschudi (SUI)

Potential Delay for 2021 Six Nations

The implications of COVID-19 on the world of sport have been stark. Many organizations are struggling financially without the attendance of fans to games. The latest competition under threat is the 2021 Six Nations, which is due to commence at the beginning of February.

The IRFU, along with fellow Unions from the Six Nations, have voiced their concerns over the impact of no fans, or a limited number of fans, may have on next year’s tournament. The English Rugby Football Union (RFU) have estimated a total loss of €65m if spectators are unable to attend their home matches due to COVID restrictions.

Compare this season to the 2018/19 campaign, when the IRFU reported their highest annual income of €87.5m. It is a bleak sign of the times and highlights the importance of the Six Nations to Irish Rugby along with the rest of the nations.

In recent weeks there were plans for a limited numbers of fans to be in attendance at sporting fixtures here in Ireland, as well as in the UK. But the number of current COVID cases has risen leading to a further delay in said plans for the incorporation of fans on match day.

On the back of these reported discussions, Ben Morel, the Six Nations chief executive, reiterated that “we need fans back. We are not about to announce that we are doing this [a delay], but it is one of the options that is there.”

A final decision has yet to be made. In these uncertain times, it is difficult to pinpoint when fans will be back in attendance. However, there is no question that the resultant financial constraints are weighing heavier and heavier on sporting organizations across the globe.

Casement Park redevelopment gets green light

Casement Park redevelopment gets green light

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced she is recommending planning approval be granted for the redevelopment of Casement Park.

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More than ten years have passed since the Casement Park project was first announced but setbacks have delayed the plan to bring a major new stadium to Ulster time and time again.

Planning approval for a 38,000 capacity stadium was granted in 2013, but those plans were thrown into disarray when a year later a legal challenge brought by some residents quashed the planned development.

A fresh planning application was submitted in February 2017 with a reduced capacity of just over 34,000

It is more than seven years since Casement Park last hosted a GAA mach, with Infrastructure Minister Mallon announcing that she had “carefully considered” all of the representations at stake and that it had been a “complex application”.

“I have carefully considered all of the representations and I believe this will be a landmark stadium, it will be transformative for gaelic games, it will be transformative in terms of the economy of west Belfast and Belfast more generally and I believe it will be truly transformational in sporting terms, in social terms, in economic terms for the whole of Ulster.”

 

 

Airtricity League – Wexford Football Club forced to Forfeit 4 Matches

SSE Airtricity League Division 1 side Wexford FC have been forced to forfeit four games after breaching Clause 14.14 of Schedule 1 of the Participation Agreement. The Football Association of Ireland Appeal Committee investigated the case and they found the club guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their fixtures against Athlone Town, Cabinteely FC, Shamrock Rovers II and Cobh Ramblers.

The controversy surrounds summer acquisition Ola Adeyemo’s involvement. Adeyemo made the move from English No-League side Lewes. He featured in all four games since the league restarted despite questions over his eligibility. Wexford took four points from an available twelve over the course of the four matches. As a result of this breach, each of the matches will go down as a 3-0 win for the opposition team.

Cabinteely have gained the most from the changes as they leapfrog UCD to take fourth spot in the league. The two teams go head-to-head on Friday evening at UCD. Athlone Town have also widened the gap between them and bottom two clubs Shamrock Rovers II and Wexford FC.

Wexford FC travel to Drogheda for their next match on Friday. However with only two games remaining, they will finish the season in last place capping off a disappointing campaign.

Dublin vs Meath – National League Preview & Live Scores Commentary

The All-Ireland Champions return to inter-county action on October 17th. Dublin vs Meath will be the only all Leinster tie in Division 1 and is a chance for both teams to get some well-needed match practice before the Championship. 

Dublin vs Meath Live Scores Commentary

Somewhat surprisingly, Dublin are in the middle of Division 1 thus far. However, they have only been beaten once. This was against Tyrone back in February. Two draws against Kerry and Monaghan have left Dessie Farrell’s team two points shy of top spot. 

On the other hand, Meath look destined for relegation. So far, their five games have yielded zero points. In fact, they are probably one team who were grateful for the postponement of the League so they could regroup. 

After coming up from Division 2 last year, the Royal County seem to be heading for the return journey. With Dublin and Monaghan as their remaining two League fixtures, manager Andy McEntee may decide the best option is to just focus on the coming Championship.

Meath face the winners of Wicklow and Wexford on the 8th of November in the Leinster quarter-final. Since McEntee’s side could potentially face Dublin in a Leinster final, he may opt against showing his strongest hand in the League. Instead, this could be an opportunity for new faces to earn a jersey. McEntee will have had a close eye on all the drama that occurred in the Club Championship and has plenty of options available to him.

In the same way, Farrell will likely be more concerned with the rapidly approaching Championship. After taking over from Jim Gavin, he is in the process of moulding his own team and the League is an opportunity for him to implement the changes. Farrell is well aware of the capabilities of Dublin’s major five-in-a-row contributors. Therefore, we may see the likes of Ballymun’s Paddy Small given a chance to break into the fifteen. Furthermore, youngsters such as Conor McHugh, Aaron Byrne and Sean Bugler are continuing to impress.  

Allianz National League Division 1: Dublin vs Meath, Saturday October 17th, 7pm (Parnell Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/club-championships-county-by-county/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Cluichí CLG Beo ar Sky Sports Mix

D’fhógair Sky Sports le déanaí go mbeidh a gcluichí CLG Beo ar Sky Sports Mix do Chraobh na hÉireann 2020.

Ceithre chluiche dhéag ar fad a chraolfar beo ar an mbealach teilifíse satailíte.

Toisc go mbeidh na cluichí peile agus iománaíochta ar Sky Sports Mix (uimhir 416 ar bhosca Sky agus 409 ar Virgin), beidh deis ag daoine le gnáthshíntiús Sky féachaint ar na cluichí go léir.

Déanfaidh Kieran Donaghy Chiarraí agus Peter Canavan ó Thír Eoghain anailís ar na cluichí peile. Ceithre bhonn Uile Éireann atá buaite ag Donaghy agus rug Canavan ceithre ghradam Sárimreoirí Peile na Bliana leis nuair a bhí sé ag imirt.

Iománaí an Chláir Jamesie O’Connor, JJ Delaney, a bhain naoi mbonn Uile Éireann amach le Cill Chainnigh agus Ollie Canning na Gaillimhe a dhéanfaidh anailís ar na cluichí iomána.

Tosóidh na cluichí ar Sky Sports Mix Dé Sathairn 24 Deireadh Fómhair le hÁth Cliath agus Laois ag imirt sa chéad bhabhta de Chraobh Iomána Laighean. Ba iad muintir Uí Mhórdha a chuir deireadh le séasúr Átha Cliath anuraidh.

Is iad Dave McIntyre agus Mike Finnerty a bheidh i mbun tráchtaireachta, le cabhair ó Nicky English agus Paul Earley.

Tiocfaidh an t-iriseoir Gaeilge Gráinne McElwain isteach in ionad Rachel Wyse don séasúr seo, agus beidh bean Mhuineacháin ag cur na gcluichí i láthair in éindí le hiar-imreoir rugbaí na Mumhan Brian Carney.

Chomh maith leis sin, cuirfidh an bheirt acu an clár CLG ‘Inside the Game’ i lathair i rith na seachtaine chomh maith.

Cluichí CLG Beo ar Sky Sports Mix

Dé Sathairn, 24 Deireadh Fómhair 2020
6:00pm Áth Cliath v Laois (iomáint)
Dé Sathairn, 31 Deireadh Fómhair 2020
1:15pm Muineachán v An Cabhán (peil)
3:30pm Corcaigh v Port Láirge (iomáint)
Dé Sathairn, 7 Samhain 2020
3:45pm Babhta Cáilithe Iomána
6:15pm Áth Cliath v An Iarmhí (peil)
Dé Sathairn, 14 Samhain 2020
1:15pm Dún na nGall/Tír Eoghain v Ard Mhaca/Doire (peil)
3:45pm Babhta Cáilithe Iomána
Dé Sathairn, 21 Samhain 2020
3:45pm Cluiche Ceathrú Ceannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Sathairn, 28 Samhain 2020
6:00pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Domhnaigh, 29 Samhain 2020
4:00pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Sathairn, 5 Nollaig 2020
5:30pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Peile na hÉireann
Dé Domhnaigh, 6 Nollaig 2020
3:30pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Peile na hÉireann
Dé Domhnaigh, 13 Nollaig 2020
3:30pm Cluiche Ceannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Sathairn, 19 Nollaig 2020
5:00pm Cluiche Ceannais Peile na hÉireann

Preview – Republic of Ireland vs. Finland

Team news, predictions and information regarding the fixture

It’s not been an easy ride for Stephen Kenny so far. Still to manage a win, Kenny’s Ireland record as it stands includes three draws and one loss. Injuries, suspensions and other factors haven’t done any favours for the Ireland manager in what has been a substandard start to his managerial reign. He has shown signs of promise, with impressive performances – despite the results – against both Slovakia and Wales.

Kenny will be hoping he can turn those performances into results by ending his winless run with a win against Finland in Helsinki today. However, it will be no easy challenge as Kenny’s side suffered a 1-0 loss against Finland in what was his first game in charge. Finland also won their previous Nations League match against Bulgaria so their camp will be full of confidence going into today’s game.

Finland find themselves in 2nd on six points while Ireland are 3rd with just two points to their name. Promotion from league B to league A looks unlikely at this stage for the Republic of Ireland, but good results in their final three group games would mean not getting dragged into a relegation battle. Finland are still very much in the promotion picture. A win against the Finns could be the catalyst Ireland need to finish off the Nations League campaign early.

Both teams play a similar style of football, pressing high up the pitch and playing high tempo passing football so it should be an entertaining watch, for the neutral at least.

Here is all the information you need to know about today’s fixture:

Team News

Ireland

Ireland are going into this match with an entirely different squad than what was announced initially. Between injuries and illness, Ireland can count themselves unlucky to be in the position they currently find themselves in. Several key players are missing from the squad – including Seamus Coleman, David McGoldrick and John Egan. Kenny was however handed a significant boost earlier this week as Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly were both passed fit to play, having been previously unavailable due to coronavirus concerns.

Ireland may need to rely on some of their young talent, something which Kenny’s predecessors have often failed to do. The average age of the Ireland squad available for selection is 25.5 years. This is much younger than it has been in the past. Irish fans will be hoping youth trumps experience as just four players in the squad have upwards of twenty caps.

Suspensions: James McClean

Injuries: James McCarthy + another unnamed player (covid-19)

Predicted line-up:

Predicted Ireland Line-Up

Finland

Finland, unlike Ireland, should have a full squad available. There are no significant injuries or suspensions within the Finland camp, meaning they’ll be at full strength come this evening.

Daniel O’Shaughnessy will be hoping to start against his ancestral homeland for the second time, having previously played Ireland earlier in the Nations League campaign. His father hails from Galway given his Irish sounding name but he’s a proud Finn, having represented his country from u15 level onwards. Another player Ireland will have to keep an eye on is Teemu Pukki, who will likely start up top for Finland.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: None

Predicated line-up:

Predicted Finland Line-up

Finland vs. Ireland Prediction

Like the first encounter between the two nations, this will likely be a hard-fought affair. Finland will probably fancy their chances given the outcome of the previous game but Ireland will be no pushovers, they’ll be desperate to turn their fortunes around after a miserable campaign so far.

Finland are in better form than Ireland having won four of their last six competitive game – including a 1-0 victory over the aforementioned opponents – but Kenny appears to be finding his feet with performances improving game by game. There have been considerable improvements made since the first meeting between the two sides and Irish fans will be hoping for a much better performance than last time.

Our prediction for the game is:

Ireland 1 – 0 Finland

For those looking for further information:

Where is the match being played?

The match is being played in Finland’s home ground, the Helsinki Olympic stadium. This will be the Republic of Ireland’s third time visiting the stadium, having previously played there in 1949 and 2002.

When is the match being played?

It is being played on the 14th of October. The match will kick off at 5 p.m. Irish standard time.

Is it being televised?

Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football will have coverage of the event. The match will not be free to air on Irish television. Virgin Media Two will have highlights of the match at 10 p.m. with full coverage of the match to follow at 11 p.m.

Viewers in the United States can also catch the game on ESPN+.

Where can the match be streamed?

Viewers can also stream the match through NOW TV’s Sky Sports Pass. The service can be purchased for one day for €11 or customers can purchase a month pass for €37.

Energia Community Series Results Round-Up

There was rugby action in all provincial conferences of the Energia Community Shield last weekend. Here is a summary of the action along with all the results.

Munster Conference

Young Munster’s dominant scrum had a big influence on their 27-15 derby win over Garryowen in Greenfields in the Energia Community Series. They dismantled the visitors’ set-piece for two penalty tries as they kept a tight hold of top spot in Munster Conference 1.

A massive power-surge from the Young Munster scrum earned them their first penalty try, just before half-time. Garryowen had forwards Pat O’Toole and Bailey Faloon sin-binned as they trailed 13-3.

Six minutes into the second half, Munsters’ Welsh number 8 Huw Worthington sped over from a maul. The visitors hammered back with a 12-point push, including tries from hard-working youngsters Evan Maher and Cian Huxford.

Yet, Gearóid Prendergast’s charges got back on top and their strong scrum eked out a 76th-minute penalty try. Munsters are on their travels in the next round, visiting a Cashel side who gave Cork Constitution plenty of trouble.

Former Con favourite Darragh Lyons, now Cashel’s player-coach, can be justly proud of his team’s performance in a 28-17 defeat to the Division 1A heavyweights. Powerhouse second row Cathal O’Flaherty charged over for two of Con’s four tries.

Old Crescent battled back for a deserved share of the spoils away to UCC, with replacement lock Seán Monaghan and flying winger Val McDermott both crossing during the final 11 minutes to make it 26 points apiece.

Leinster Conference

In Leinster, Dublin University came through their stiffest test yet in the Energia Community Series when edging out Terenure College in a 10-try classic at Lakelands Park.

Terenure’s barnstorming start, including two Levi Vaughan tries, had them 17 points clear, but Trinity turned the tables to take a 36-31 verdict. Rob Russell set up two tries for Ronan Quinn – one with a sublime one-handed offload – and kicked 11 points.

Ireland Under-20 scrum half Ben Murphy touched down during Old Wesley’s 30-18 bonus point success against Old Belvedere, while replacement Charlie Tector’s two closing penalties saw Lansdowne prevail 13-10 at St. Mary’s College.

Captain Matt D’Arcy and hooker Dylan Donnellan bagged a brace of tries each in Clontarf’s 34-7 bonus point win over Naas.

Connacht Conference

Kiwi winger Calum Goddard’s hat-trick helped Sligo beat Ballina 36-14 to stay in control of Connacht’s Conference.

Ulster Conference

Kyle Faloon’s late try kept City of Armagh at the summit of Ulster Conference 1 after a 24-all draw with Banbridge. Ritchie McMaster scored 10 points, including the clinching penalty, as second-placed Queen’s claimed the scalp of Ballynahinch in a 20-17 victory.

ENERGIA MEN’S COMMUNITY SERIES – THIRD ROUND RESULTS:
CONNACHT CONFERENCE:

Ballina 14 Sligo 36
Galwegians v Galway Corinthians (Match cancelled – 0-0. Both teams awarded two points)
Buccaneers – Bye

LEINSTER CONFERENCE 1:

Clontarf 34 Naas 7
Old Wesley 30 Old Belvedere 18,
St. Mary’s College 10 Lansdowne 13
Terenure College 31 Dublin University 36
UCD – Bye

LEINSTER CONFERENCE 2:

Blackrock College v Navan (Match cancelled – 0-0. Both teams awarded two points)
Greystones 24 Wanderers 38
Malahide 21 Tullamore 10
Skerries 5 MU Barnhall 52
Enniscorthy – Bye

MUNSTER CONFERENCE 1:

Shannon v Highfield (Match cancelled – 0-0. Both teams are awarded two points)
Cork Constitution 28 Cashel 17
UCC 26 Old Crescent 26
Young Munster 27 Garryowen 15

MUNSTER CONFERENCE 2:

Bruff 20 Midleton 19
Nenagh Ormond 14 UL Bohemians 8
Sunday’s Well v Clonmel (Match cancelled – 0-0. Both teams awarded two points)
Dolphin – Bye

ULSTER CONFERENCE 1:

Ballynahinch 17 Queen’s University 20
City of Armagh 24 Banbridge 24
Rainey Old Boys 17 Malone 10

ULSTER CONFERENCE 2:

Bangor 41 Ballymena 34
City of Derry v Belfast Harlequins (Match cancelled – 0-0. Both teams awarded two points)
Omagh Academicals 10 Dungannon 13

Paul Scholes named Interim Head Coach at Salford City

Paul Scholes has been named interim Head Coach of League 2 club Salford City after the departure of Graham Alexander.

The Manchester United legend is a part-owner of the club along with fellow ‘class of 92’ alumni Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Gary and Phil Neville, and steps into the club’s dugout on a temporary basis.

Alexander leaves the club fifth in the League Two table after two wins from their opening five League games.

Scholes who had a brief stint in charge of Oldham Athletic in 2019 will lead the team as the club search for a new permanent Head Coach. He will be assisted by Warren Joyce, with the duo’s first game in charge coming against Port Vale on Saturday.

Scholes has taken charge of Salford once before, joining Phil Neville in overseeing a 2-1 victory over Kendal Town in 2015.

A club statement read: “Salford City Football Club announces that manager Graham Alexander has left the club with immediate effect. The club met with Graham this morning and after discussion have agreed to part company.

“The club would like to wish him all the best and success in the future.

“First-team coach, Chris Lucketti, will also leave the club.

“Paul Scholes will act as the interim head coach while the club looks to secure a new manager. Warren Joyce, currently in isolation, will join Paul once he is able to.”

Review – Ireland u21s suffer 2-0 loss against impressive Italians

Jim Crawford was unable to pick up points in what was his first game in charge

On what was a fair day in Pisa, goals from Riccardo Sottil and Patrick Cutrone propelled the Italian u21 team to a 2-0 victory over the Irish. This result means that the Irish drop down to second in the table with Italy going top with a game in hand. Ireland’s qualification chances have taken a bump as Iceland and Sweden are just one point behind, with Iceland also having a game in hand.

The Italian team, although still impressive, were forced to field their u20 team – along with u21 players Patrick Cutrone, Samuele Ricci, Riccardo Sottil and Sandro Tonali – as there was a coronavirus outbreak in the initial squad. They postponed their game against Iceland last Friday over coronavirus fears but they were determined to complete today’s fixture, even if it meant fielding a “weakened squad”.

Ireland were not without their absences either, with Jason Knight and Dara O’Shea being called up to the senior squad and Neil Farrugia being ruled out due to injury. Bohs’ winger Danny Grant was called up to replace Farrugia but there were no further replacements for Knight or O’Shea.

The Italians went with a fluid 5-3-2 formation while Ireland shaped up in a 4-4-3 formation as they had done prior to Jim Crawford’s appointment. Conor Masterson was appointed captain for the day.

Before the game all eyes had been on Italian deep lying playmaker Sandro Tonali, who recently sealed a loan move to AC Milan after coming through the Brescia academy. A midfielder in the mould of Andrea Pirlo – who coincidentally also came through at Brescia – Tonali has exceptional vision and possesses the unique ability of controlling the balance of play seamlessly.

Tonali’s showed glimpses of his quality as he demonstrated his impressive passing range, but the show was stolen by Ricardo Sottil. Sottil was a constant thorn to the Irish backline as his impressive close control and good runs off the ball consistently caused problems. He was involved in both goals as he scored the first and assisted the second. The winger already has considerable senior experience after appearing for Fiorentina on multiple occasions as well as a brief loan at Pescara. The Fiorentina winger is currently on loan at Cagliari in what he’ll be hoping will be his breakthrough season. He certainly did his reputation no harm with today’s impressive performance.

Both teams showed what they were capable of in the first half in what was a tight affair.

The Italian left hand side in particular caused major problems for the Irish, with Frabrotta and Sottil providing the spark. The first chance of the match came in the 5th minute as left back Frabrotta went on a marauding run which resulted in a shot blocked by the captain, Conor Masterson.

Ireland had an opportunity of their own not long after. A poor headed clearance by the Italian centre back afforded Jack Taylor an opportunity on the half volley, but his shot sailed wide of the post. Taylor had another opportunity minutes after with a tame effort from outside the box that was easily gathered by the keeper.

Ireland played some good football in the first half, with many of their opportunities coming down the left side due to Elbouzedi’s pace and directness. He consistently caused problems for Birindelli as he bolted past the right back on several occasions. Michael Obafemi had an opportunity in the 32nd minute after a brilliant run and squared ball from Elbouzedi, but he failed to sort out his feet in time for a shot. Moments after, a dangerous cross from Darragh Leahy nearly reached Lee O’Connor but he was shielded well by his man.

A dangerous back pass in the 35th minute from Conor Coventry resulted in a Riccardo Sottil interception but he failed to capitalize on Coventry’s mistake as he blazed over the bar.

Sottil was perhaps Italy’s most dangerous player in the first half and his efforts paid off in the 42nd minute as he hit the back of the net. It was all too easy as he was played in behind after a good off the ball run, before he cut inside and placed the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. There wasn’t much Gavin Bazunu could do as he was let down by poor closing down by Masterson.

The first half ended 1-0 to Italy. The scoreline probably reflected the way the half went as Italy had the bigger chances but that’s not to say that Ireland played poorly. Ireland actually enjoyed more possession than the Italians but failed to turn their control of the play into chances.

There were no changes made at the start of the second half as both teams lined up as they had started.

The first opportunity of the second half came after an Irish corner which fell to Connor Ronan inside the edge of the area, but he failed to connect properly on the half volley and the ball was cleared to safety. Ronan also hit a hopeful effort from 30 yards on 52 minutes which went straight into the Italian keeper gloves. Ronan had been one of Ireland’s standout performers throughout the campaign, but he failed to provide the creativity he had done previously in what was an unremarkable showing.

Italy extended their lead in the 61st minute through Patrick Cutrone. Once again, Riccardo Sottil was involved as he made another fantastic run in behind the Ireland back four before squaring to Cutrone who tucked the ball into the bottom corner. Darragh Leahy was caught out of position in the build-up which made life easy for Sottil.

Ireland’s only other opportunity of the half came in the 64th minute. More impressive play by Elbouzedi resulted in a deflected effort which went out for an Irish corner.

Ireland made their first and only subs in the 74th minute as Jim Crawford looked for more options. Mandroiu came on for Jack Taylor, Danny Grant came on for Connor Ronan and Jonathan Afolabi came on for Michael Obafemi.

Michael Obafemi had been talked about a great deal before the game after his exclusion from the Ireland senior squad, but he failed to live up to expectations as he was consistently shut out by the Italian defence before being hooked off. He did demonstrate glimpses of his quality as his pace and pressing caused problems on occasion, but overall it was a disappointing appearance from the Southampton striker.

The match finished 2-0 to the Italians as Ireland failed to take advantage of their coronavirus struggles.

There were no standout performers from the Ireland side, but Zach Elbouzedi and Nathan Collins showed what they’re capable of throughout the match. Elbouzedi’s directness allowed him to get into advantageous positions but his final ball was often lacking. He’ll be hoping his performance impressed Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, as he has struggled for minutes since joining the club earlier this year. Nathan Collins, on the other hand, was brilliant at times. Stoke fans have been raving about him in recent week and it’s easy to see why. He constantly broke down Italian attacks with his commanding presence and looked very assured on the ball despite his towering appearance.

Jim Crawford will now put his attention towards the remaining two group games. Both fixtures are being played next month with Iceland coming up on the 12th and Luxembourg on the 17th. The result against Iceland would be crucial to the u21s qualification chances, as they stand one point behind Ireland with a game in hand.

Ireland will be hoping results go their way in the remaining fixtures, as they would then stand a good chance of qualifying for the u21 European Championships for the first time in what has been an impressive campaign thus far.

 

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