Republic of Ireland Under-21 Futsal team make competitive debut

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 Futsal team made history when they made their competitive debut against Holland today in the opening round of the UEFA Under-21 Futsal Championship in Andorra.

The Irish youngsters produced a spirited display but were ultimately beaten 6-2 in an absorbing tie.

After a tight opening period, the experienced Dutch went into the half-time break with a two goal lead.

Holland had come into the tie on the back of recent emphatic wins over Greece and Belgium and their experience told against the Irish, who were punished for some naive defending, Najib El Allouchi and Sofian El Adel scoring for the Dutch.

Dane Massey, the player of the tournament in the recent FAI eircom Futsal League of Ireland tournament, gave the Irish hope when he scored an excellent individual goal early in the second half.

Just when the Irish had control of the game, a defensive error led to Mohamed Attaibi putting Holland further ahead. As the Irish chased the game, Holland caught them on the counterattack and Mohamed Allouch added No 5.

Massey pulled one back when he tapped home from a Philip McDonagh ball across the goal face but Ireland´s hopes of a comeback ended with Ed Adel grabbing his second of the night.

"There were some very positive aspects to take from this game. It was our first game at competitive level and we can take consolation from the fact that we controlled much of the play," said Irish coach Derek O´Neill.

"I don´t think the scoreline reflected our performance but we paid the price for our naivety. We´ve got Andorra next and we´re determined to get our first win under our belts. Qualification will be difficult now. This whole experience will really stand to us as six of the squad members are eligible for the next qualifying campaign and they´ll gain an awful lot from this. We´re building for the future here and I feel we´re heading in the right direction."

Republic of Ireland - John Perkins (Shamrock Rvrs); Mark Langtry (Shamrock Rvrs), Lloyd Massey (Bray Wdrs), Philip McDonagh (Bohemians), Ian Byrne (Bohemians); Neil Harkin (Derry City), Brendan Dawson (Shelbourne), Shane O´Neill (Bray Wdrs), Dane Massey (Bray Wdrs), Alan Lynch (Longford Town), Cathal Lordan (Cork City), Keith Gallagher (Bluebell Utd). Subs unused: Craig Duggan (Cork City), Cian McBrien (Galway Utd).

Goals: D Massey (2).


Next up:

Wednesday, April 9th:
Republic of Ireland v Andorra

Friday, April 11th:
Republic of Ireland v Azerbaijan





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com