The Republic of Ireland's first game in the Under-20 tournament in Dubai ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Korea this evening, despite dominating the game in both halves. Liam Carney of Nottingham Forest gave Brian Kerr's side a deserved lead in the 29th minute, but a beautifully curled free-kick on the stroke of half-time from Sung Kok levelled matters.
Bray's Eamon Zayed was a real star for Ireland, and although they played the Koreans off the park in the second-half Brian Kerr's men failed to find the net.
Kim Dong Hun got the winner four minutes from time with a simple tap-in, but afterwards Kerr expressed great satisfaction with his team's performance.
Next up is the hosts UAE on Wednesday, while on Friday Ireland face France.
Filed by Johnny Proby
