It was a tale of two Stephens as the Republic of Ireland Under-21s won their second Madeira Cup title by beating Portugal 2-1 in Estadio Do Machico this afternoon.
Waterford United midfielder Stephen Grant and Bohemians striker Stephen Ward both scored in the first-half - with Ward also claiming the tournament's top goalscorer award with two goals over the week-long competition.
Ireland got off to a dream start when Ward sent the ball out wide to Grant after three minutes and the Blues midfielder - playing on the right - cut inside and drove the ball through the goalkeeper' s legs.
Grant came close again on 38 minutes before Ward made it 2-0 two minutes before half-time. Anthony Stokes played the ball behind the last defender for the Bohemians forward to run on to, and Ward steadied himself before finding the bottom left-hand corner with his left foot.
Portugal pushed on after the break but failed to create any chances of note, while Stokes nearly scored from inside his own half.
A Miguel Veloso free-kick from 20 yards reduced the deficit after 89 minutes and set up a nervous finale but Ireland held firm to secure victory.
Michael Timlin got the armband back from Gary Dicker after he had missed the Finland game through suspension and he led the celebrations when he held the trophy aloft.
Republic of Ireland XI: Darren Quigley (UCD), Keith Keane (Luton Town), Richard Keogh (Bristol City), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), James Hand (Huddersfield Town), Stephen Grant (Waterford United), Gary Dicker (UCD), Michael Timlin (Fulham), Alan O'Brien (Newcastle United), Anthony Stokes (Arsenal), Stephen Ward (Bohemians).
Substitutes used: Christopher Deans (Waterford United) for Grant - 84, Roy O'Donovan (Cork City) for O'Brien - 90. |
