Portugal 4-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Under-16s were no match for Portugal today at Santarem International Tournament as the hosts hit four goals without reply.
Ireland went into the game after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Denmark in their first game of the series on Friday but they came up against a talented Portuguese side comprised of full-time professionals on the books of the nation’s top clubs.
Gaspar issued a warning to the Irish on 12 minutes when he fired over the crossbar from a decent opportunity but the Benfica striker didn’t miss second time around seven minutes later when his volley beat Sean McDermott in the Irish goal.
Sporting Lisbon starlet Coehlo appeared to be offside when he raced through onto a pass after 28 minutes but there was no flag and he executed a superb chip over the advancing ‘keeper.
Up against solid opposition and playing in humid conditions meant Ireland were up against it in the second half but they battled hard and enjoyed a greater deal of possession.
David Murphy, who scored Ireland’s winner against Wales in August, fashioned a good chance with ten minutes remaining but his shot failed to trouble Rocha in the Portugal goal.
Padroense made Ireland pay five minutes later by converting the third on the counter-attack and the scoring was completed in the last minute through Coelho’s penalty.
The Irish complete their three-game series against Spain on Tuesday at the Estádio Municipal Abrantes (Kick-off: 09.30 hrs)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Sean McDermott; Conor Morrissey, Stephen Jewell, Sean McGinty, Robert Moloney; Ellis Tebbutt, Carl McHugh, John Mountney, Daniel McGuiness; Daniel Purdy, Adam Pigott.
Substitutes: Michael Barker for Jewell (21 mins), John O’Sullivan for Purdy (49 mins), David Murphy for Tebbutt (70 mins), Craig Hanlon for McDermott (70 mins).
Santarem International Tournament Fixtures and Results
Saturday February 21
Republic of Ireland 0-2 Denmark
Estádio Municipal Torres Novas
Kick-off: 15.00hrs
Sunday February 22
Portugal 4-0 Republic of Ireland
Estádio Municipal Torres Novas
Kick-off: 15.00 hrs
Tuesday February 24
Spain v Republic of Ireland
Estádio Municipal Abrantes
Kick-off: 09.30 hrs. |
