Turkey 4 - 1 Republic of Ireland
Turkey showed their preparedness for the upcoming FIFA U18 World Cup final tournament in Nigeria when they out-scored the Republic of Ireland U18s in a friendly match in South West Turkey.
Ireland were forced to defend for long periods of the second half as a sharp and enthusiastic Turkey played at a very high tempo. Ireland's players were thankful that the cloud cover offered some protection from the strong sunshine.
Ireland's goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher had a busy afternoon and he made the first of a series of first-class saves in the 18th minute when he turned a powerful shot outside for a corner. Turkey almost scored following the corner as a header rattled the crossbar and the rebound was cleared by Michael Harriman, who was making his debut for Ireland.
Ireland were unable to prevent Turkey jumping in front in the 22nd minute despite a brave attempt to intercept by John Egan. And Ireland responded with determination as Stephen McDonnell drove hard at the Turkey defence to create an opening but his shot was too high.
Ireland took encouragement from McDonnell's run and they were level in the 40th minute. Stephen Folan won possession and played the perfect pass to send Patrick McEleney through on goal and his finish was exemplary.
Yet Turkey quickly negatived this goal when, in the 42nd minute, they scored a second goal from a close range free to edge in front again.
Goalkeeper Gallagher and Harriman were both prominent as Ireland came under increasing pressure in the second half. They could not prevent Turkey extending their lead in the 78th minute when a cross from the right wing was headed powerfully to the net.
Tommy Amos was close to reducing the arrears once again with a shot that flew narrowly wide after 81 minutes but Turkey had the last word, a powerful shot from 30 yards flew high into the net to highlight their impressive performance.
Turkey's ability to turn their scoring chances to account represented the big difference between the teams. Otherwise Ireland were a match for the home team with Stephen McDonnell in superb form and centre-backs John Egan and Anthony O'Connor also excelling.
Ireland expect to be in still better form when they play Turkey again on Thursday. They should be over the effects of their long journey and be more acclimatised with the hot weather in Turkey.
Republic of Ireland team:
Ciaran Gallagher; Michael Harriman, Stephen McDonnell, John Egan, Anthony O'Connor, Patrick McEleney, Paul McBride, Sean Stewart, Stephen Folan, Eoghan Osbourne, Jeff Hendrick.
Substitutes:
Aaron McCarey, Tommy Amos (on for McBride, 76 mins), Danny Fitzsimons, Jordan Keegan (on for Stewart, 65 mins), Paudie Quinn (on for Folan, 46 mins), Eoin Wearen (on for Hendrick, 46 mins), Sean Brosnan (on for McEleney, 46 mins). |
