The Republic of Ireland's Under-20s claimed their first point of a disappointing Toulon Tournament with a deserved 2-2 draw with Germany in their final match this evening. Ireland took the lead twice but the battling qualities of the Germans saw them maintain their unbeaten record to finish third in the group behind Italy and Japan, while Don Givens' side finished bottom below South Africa with a solitary point.
Manchester United's John O'Shea, who later went off injured, gave Ireland the lead after 37 minutes but Germany restored parity with a Christian Triffet strike early in the second half. Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid gave Ireland the advantage yet again but they were a dealt a blow when central defender Jim Goodwin was sent-off following an off-the-ball incident. Benjamin Auer equalised from the subsequent penalty to deny Ireland their first win.
Filed by Shane Murray
