Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Ireland players celebrate Romeo Akachukwu’s goal. Nikola Kristic/INPHO

Ireland show character to bounce back for impressive U-17 win over Wales

The U17s claimed a vital 3-0 victory ahead of their crucial clash with hosts Hungary on Tuesday.

IRELAND KEPT THEIR hopes of progress to the knockout stages of the U17 European Championships alive with an impressive 3-0 win over Wales.

Just days after being humbled by Poland in their group opener, the young boys in green responded in tremendous fashion.

Shamrock Rovers duo Naj Razi and Ike Orazi found the net in the 22nd and 33rd minutes, respectively, while the goal of the game which put the gloss on the win was a sensational long-range strike from Waterford’s Romeo Akachukwu.

The midfielder was brought into the starting XI by manager Colin O’Brien and he repaid him by not just finishing off a sublime team move which was built from the back, but with a commanding all-round performance to ensure Ireland remained in control.

Akachukwu’s effort found the top corner in the 62nd minute and gave Ireland extra breathing space having gone into the break with a two-goal lead.

The deadlock was broken when Orzai was brought down in the box – although it was far from straightforward.

Razi’s initial penalty was saved by Wales goalkeeper Luke Armstrong, but a re-take was ordered after he came off his line.

When Razi’s next attempt was also saved he was on hand to tap home the rebound.

Orazi was then able to get in on the act after the half-hour mark.

He had been a constant threat in the opening period and when a harmless cross to the back wasn’t dealt with, he punished in ruthless fashion, getting the ball out of his feet quickly to curl a deft shot into the top corner.

It would have been the starring moment of the game were he not upstaged by Akachukwu.

The win was a timely confidence boost ahead of their showdown with hosts Hungary on Tuesday.

The top two from each group will progress to the quarter finals.

Ireland: Healy; Harnett (Babb 63), Grante, Turley, O’Sullivan; McGrath; Razi (Moore 76), Kehir (Murray 89), Akachukwu (Mooney 89); Melia, Orazi (Okosun 76).

Wales: Armstong; Giles, Lawlor, Clarke, Parker (Thomas 78); Twose (Hatch 88), Crew, Perrett (Biancheri 51); Tuck (Andrews 51), Morgan, Issaka (Beecher 78).

Referee: E Masiyev (Azerbaijan).

The Journal publishes the biggest breaking news in Irish and international sport but for all of The 42′s insightful analysis and sharp sportswriting, subscribe here.

Author
View comments
Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute plato
    Favourite plato
    Report
    Aug 27th 2012, 1:54 PM

    79% say it unacceptable to give a mobile phone to people under 18 ?? Am I reading that right? Almost every teenager I know has a mobile phone.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute plato
    Favourite plato
    Report
    Aug 27th 2012, 1:55 PM

    Oops that was 8 not 18.. Knew I hadn’t read it correctly.. D’oh !!

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 27th 2012, 2:02 PM

    8? Seriously what does an 8 year old child need a mobile for?

    32
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas M Bourke
    Favourite Thomas M Bourke
    Report
    Aug 28th 2012, 9:47 AM

    In my daughter’s class (9/10 year olds) last year there were a few who had cellphones

    I remember having change for the callbox at the school…

    needless to say, while she may have a kindle to read books on, she does *not* have a cellphone!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute fitszenpatrik
    Favourite fitszenpatrik
    Report
    Aug 27th 2012, 3:34 PM

    Technology certainly divides our household.
    Since we got an electric fence down the middle of our living room the rows have reduced greatly.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh
    Favourite Niamh
    Report
    Aug 27th 2012, 4:26 PM

    That was really funny!! :-D

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas M Bourke
    Favourite Thomas M Bourke
    Report
    Aug 28th 2012, 9:48 AM

    ours is made of lego… thing is my daughter designed the fence and now cannot go to the toilet without causing a row as she crosses her own fence!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Quill
    Favourite John Quill
    Report
    Aug 27th 2012, 1:38 PM

    OMG, totes maze LOL! LMAO!

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Kavanagh
    Favourite Mary Kavanagh
    Report
    Aug 27th 2012, 5:13 PM

    Lol to fitsen.. :D

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute BlackQueen
    Favourite BlackQueen
    Report
    Aug 28th 2012, 7:14 AM

    So tired of seeing ipad instead of tablet device. Even psychologists aren’t immune from fruit control!

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds