Republic of Ireland U17s 3-0 Wales
The Republic of Ireland men's Under-17s bounced back from an opening group game defeat to register a hugely impressive 3-0 win against Wales in their second group game of the UEFA European Championships in Budapest.
Goals from Shamrock Rovers duo Naj Razi and Ike Orazi - his second in successive games - had Ireland 2-0 up at the break with man-of-the-match Romeo Akachukwu rounding off the scoring with a spectacular third to earn three points having lost 5-1 to Poland on Wednesday.
It was a case of win or bust for both sides knowing a negative result would potentially leave qualification from Group A out of reach, but the high stakes on offer didn’t seem to faze either side in a high quality encounter in the hot and humid conditions of the Panchu Arena.
Ireland will next face hosts Hungary on Tuesday (kick-off 7pm, live on the RTÉ News Channel and the RTÉ Player) in their to reach the quarter-finals.
It was the Welsh who tried to land the first blow, coming flying out of the traps. Powerful front man Iwan Morgan's curled effort was brilliantly turned onto the post by Jason Healy after just 30-seconds, serving as an early wake-up call for Colin O'Brien's side.
But Ireland, having made just the one change to the side with Waterford's commanding midfielder Akachukwu coming in for Stanley Ashbee - meaning skipper Freddie Turley dropped back into the back four - settled thereafter. The lively and creative front man Naj Razi proved a constant threat throughout and responded with a powerful shot having cut inside from the left, bravely blocked.
Minutes later Turley, operating in almost a quarterback role from defence, was invited to step out from the back and hit a powerful low drive very well saved by Luke Armstrong as confidence began to grow in the Irish side.
The games biggest talking point arrived just 20-minutes played when the goalscorer from Wednesday Ike Orazi was brought down in the area by Sam Parker.
His Shamrock Rovers team-mate Razi was given the chance to open the scoring from 12-yards out but saw his penalty saved by Armstrong.
The eagle-eyed officials noticed Armstrong had stepped off his line ordering a retake and offering Razi a second bite of the cherry.
Incredibly the Cardiff City stopper stood big and again saved the retake, but thankfully for the Irish, saw the ball rebound back to the feet of Razi who fired home.
Orazi was causing all sorts of problems and got the goal his first half performance deserved, capitalising on Parker's mistake.
And from the edge of the area the talented winger bent a beautifully curled effort into the top corner to double his side's lead.
With nothing to lose, the Welsh young guns as expected piled on the pressure after the restart but were met by a resolute Irish defence being equal to whatever was thrown at them. Despite being under the cosh for the opening exchanges, The young Boys in Green showed incredible composure to further extend their lead with an impressive team goal.
Starting with a one-two at the back involving keeper Jason Healy, the ball was worked brilliantly through the side, upfield and eventually finding the feet of Akachukwu who thundered a strike from 25-yards in off the post - a fitting end to an outstanding move.
Full focus will be turned to Tuesday night for Colin O'Brien and his charges when they round off their group with a mouthwatering tie against hosts Hungary.
Rep of Ireland: Healy, Harnett (Babb 64), Turley (C), Grante, O'Sullivan, Akachukwu (Mooney 90), McGrath, Razi (Moore 77), Kehir (Murray 90), Orazi (Okosun 77), Melia
Wales: Armstrong, Parker (Thomas 79', Clarke, Lawlor, Giles, Perrett (Bianchere 52), Crew, Twose (Hatch 88), Tuck (Andrews 52), Issaka (Beecher 79), Morgan
Referee: Elchin Masiyev (Azerbaijan)
Watch the UEFA Under-17 European Championships with RTÉ Sport. Republic of Ireland v Hungary on Tuesday (7pm RTÉ News Channel)
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