Ireland 1-2 Czech Republic
Two goals in three minutes midway through the second half consigned the Ireland under-19 side to a defeat to the Czech Republic in Romania this evening.
With their tails up after victory over Greece earlier in the week, Ireland started well and took the lead after ten minutes through John O’Sullivan, who deflected a long-range effort from Derrick Williams to the net.
Not content with a single-goal advantage, Ireland pushed on and could have gone further in front were in not for excellent goalkeeping from Czech ‘keeper Tomáš Koubek, who kept out efforts from Sean Murray and Anthony Forde.
Paul Doolin’s side deservedly maintained their lead until the break, but were undone by a brief purple patch from their opponents midway through the second half.
Jakub Brabec headed home a free-kick on 69 minutes to equalise and Ireland ‘keeper Aaron McCarey could do little about Patrik Lacha’s stunning effort two minutes later.
The goal was a hammer blow to Doolin’s side, and despite a valiant attempt, they failed to net a late equaliser that would have made progression to the last four in the competition far easier.
Qualification is still well within Ireland’s grasp, however, but they will need a result in the final group game against hosts Romania to stand a chance of making the semi-finals.
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