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07.05.2015 at 11:00 Arena Sozopol, Sozopol
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Attendance: 1500 |
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Netherlands |
0 - 0
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Rep of Ireland |
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Referee: Dumitru Muntean (Moldova) |
European Finals-match |
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Netherlands
Tom Mohan's side weathered a sustained spell of Dutch again before ending the game extremely well and were within millimetres of snatching a late winner through Jamie Aherne.
The game's first real opportunity came in the 13th minute when Carel Elting cut through the Irish defence but his deflected shot saw Caoimhin Kelleher make a stunning reflex save.
In the 33th minute an incredible block by Darragh Leahy denied Javairo Dilrosun a certain goal after Ireland fail to clear initially following a quick counter-attack.
The Dutch had a big opportunity in the 52th minute when Robertha burst through on goal but a brilliant tackle by Conor Levingston blocked his effort and Kelleher gathered the loose ball.
Kelleher showed his class in the 58th minute when he touched a powerful strike from Elting onto an upright and the Irish defence hacked to safety.
In the 73rd minute Zach Elbouzedi set up Trevor Clarke but keeper Justin Bijlow was well positioned to save his shot. Less than a minute later Clarke fired inches wide across goal after cutting in from the right wing.
With three minutes left in normal time Ireland thought they had scored through Jamie Aherne. The striker got his head to a Connor Ronan cross and Bijlow touched it onto the crossbar. The ball bounced down but no goal was awarded.
In the 78th minute Ronan fired in a free-kick from just outside the box that shaved the outside of upright with the keeper beaten.
Five minutes into injury-time Ireland could have snatched the three points when Ronan slipped in Clarke but keeper Bijlow was out to save at his feet as the Irish attacker knocked the ball forward.
Ireland's next game is against Italy on Sunday. The Italians lost 1-0 to England this evening.
"I'm pleased with a point from our opening game but it could just as easily have been three points as we finished the game very strongly," said Mohan.
Ireland start UEFA U17 finals with Dutch draw
Highlights from Football Association of Ireland on Vimeo. |
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