|
05.09.2003 at 19:00 Regional Sports Centre - Waterford
|
Attendance: |
|
Referee: Cristian Balaj (ROU) |
European Qualifier / PROG-match |
Republic of Ireland, whose only previous victory in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 10 campaign has been reversed for fielding a suspended player against Albania, produced a fine performance in Waterford to record a 2-0 win against Russia.
Barrett double
Graham Barrett - who was making his Irish record 25th appearance at this level - scored one goal and made the other on what could be his swansong for the U21s with manager Don Givens set to turn to the next generation of players after his side's until now unsuccessful campaign.
Ireland begin brightly
Russia lie second in Group 10 and wanted victory to secure a top-two finish and keep the pressure on leaders Switzerland. However, Ireland, who lay fourth with two points from six games before today, began brightly and captain Liam Miller hit the crossbar twice in the same fifth-minute move.
Home side on top
Barrett shot over on 25 minutes, and although Marat Izmailov forced Irish goalkeeper Daniel Connor into a save, the home side were the team on top.
Decisive goals
After the break they continued to make their presence felt. The pressure eventually told in the 65th minute as Thomas Butler fed Kevin O'Connor and his low cross was turned in by Barrett for his fourth goal at this level. Sixteen minutes later, Butler's cut-back allowed Barrett to power in a shot which was blocked by goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev but deflected in off Anton Rogotchi for an own goal.
Vital match
Russia now meet Switzerland on Tuesday needing nothing less than victory if they wish to win the group. Ireland's campaign finishes against the Swiss - who lead the group by four points - on 10 October. |
|
|
