Sweden 2 Republic of Ireland 1
Sweden were quickest out of the traps today at they consigned Ireland to their second defeat of the Syrenka International Cup in Poland.
Following the 2-1 defeat to Russia in their opener on Tuesday, Irish manager Sean McCaffrey gave starts to all of his available substitutes from the opening fixture.
Ireland are due to meet the Swedes in the first phase of the Under-17 UEFA Championships later this month and will have learned a lot about their opponents from today's game.
The pivotal spell of the game arrived midway through the first half when Sweden scored twice in the space of three minutes.
Robin Tranberg grabbed the opener, beating Irish goalkeeper Jack Bonham with an unstoppable drive high into the top corner.
Sweden didn't have long to wait to double their advantage when Amin Nazari's lethal free-kick found the back of the net.
The Irish had shown some attacking promise early in the game. Anthony Forde drilled a shot just off-target and Graham Burke tested the Swede's netminder with a header.
Ireland did manage to go into the break having reduced the arrears. Burke freed his striker partner Aidan O'Brien into space on the stroke of half-time and the Millwall youngster executed a magnificent lob into the net to make it 2-1.
The effects of playing two matches in as many days began to tell in the second half as both sides lacking a cutting edge in front of goal.
Ireland did have the better of the attempts with O'Brien twice getting close to Ben Glasgow crosses and substitute George Smith seeing his shot saved following some good approach play.
The Republic of Ireland will now complete their tournament against Romania on Friday morning.
Rep of Ireland: Jack Bonham (Watford); Neil Yadolahi (St. Kevin's Boys), Richard Bryan (Aston Villa), Sean McGinty (Manchester United), Michael Barker (Belvedere); Anthony Forde (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Frankie Sutherland (QPR), Anton Rodgers (Chelsea), Brian McGroary (Wolverhampton Wanderers); Aidan O`Brien (Millwall), Graham Burke (Belvedere).
Substitutions: Callum Webb (Arsenal) for Rodgers, Shane Byrne (Leicester City) for Forde, George Smith (Southend) for Burke and Glasgow (Arsenal) for McGinty (all H/T).
U17 Syrenka International Cup tournament results and fixture:
Tuesday, 1 September
Russia 2-1 Republic of Ireland - Zgierz
Wednesday, 2 September
Republic of Ireland 1-2 Sweden - SMS Łódź / Kutno
Friday, 4 September
Republic of Ireland v Romania. |
