Fuck yeah.
Up Ireland
Ireland Under-19 2-1 Greece Under-19
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 23:06
The Republic of Ireland Under-19 team claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Greece in their opening match of the UEFA Championship finals in Romania on Wednesday night.
Defender Anthony O’Connor was the goal scoring hero for Paul Doolin’s men, netting twice.
Both sides struck early with O’Connor getting his first goal in the 2nd minute when his powerful half-volley from a low Sean Murray flew past Greek goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino to give Ireland the lead.
But Greece equalised just three minutes later, Giorgos Katidis guiding a shot home from outside the box after a corner was not fully cleared and Irish goalkeeper Aaron McCarey struggled to regain his feet.
O’Connor’s 51st minute winner also came from a set piece. This time, Murray played a short corner to Samir Carruthers on the right and his sublime cross was met at the back post by O’Connor, and he powered his header past the keeper from close range.
Ireland’s victory was all the more admirable for having been achieved in very difficult weather conditions.
Thunder and lightening had already brought a halt to proceedings in the earlier Group B clash between Spain and Belgium which will have to be re-started tomorrow.
Greece almost equalised soon after when Fortounis Katidis’ powerful drive from the edge of the box just cleared McCarey’s crossbar.
A combination of sloppy finishing and tight defending ensured kept Ireland ahead, though Greek substitute Anastasios Bakasetas went agonisingly close in the 78th minute, his shot went inches over the Irish cross-bar.
The ever dangerous Kostas Fortounis went close once again in the 83rd minute, blasting over from 10 yards as Ireland clung on to secure the three points.
In the other game in Group A, tournament hosts Romania were beaten 3-1 by the Czech Republic.
Ireland will now face the Czechs on Saturday at 5pm (Irish time) knowing that victory will be enough to secure qualification to the UEFA Championship semi-finals.
Fair to say Ireland owes a huge debt to young O’Connor, singled handedly saved our Euros this evening. Once the boy in green shoots, he scores. Winner came from a right wing cutback after a corner was turned away by the Greeks. No celebrations for the boys tonight, austerity all the way as long as there’s another hurdle ahead. There will be a free session at the end of the tournament however. Paul Doolin’s four year plan is the reason Ireland’s competitiveness has improved so much and he deserves credit. Some team talk by the boss before the match, a real patriotic call to arms. Expect Irish interest rates to go up for the Czech game. Unfortunatelly for Greece they look to be approaching endgame in this Euro zone. They are very definitely not Ireland.
That’s the stuff, Sid
Hard to see the Greeks recovering now in the midst of deflation.
Ireland match starting on Eurosport now
Started well
The Czechs look a very tidy side, plenty of movement fluidity from them so far
Ah that’s a brilliant save by our lad. 
Some great goalkeeping from the shouty keeper.
1-0.
O’Sullivan.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssssssss. 1-0 to us.
Chicked dance. Blessed himself. Pointed to the sky.
The first and third parts of the celebration need to be remedied.
Terrible defending there and the Czech’s should have made us pay.
Against the run of play we have the lead. Long range speculative pop that takes a touch of O’Sullivan and goes in 
Great to hear the apology for any bad language.
Splendid save from the Czech keeper to deny us a second goal.
Czechs look dangerous any time they go forward so far. This will be tough for our young’uns.
Fuckin hell nearly 2-0. Fine save by the Czech keeper.
Ah that was a lovely flowing move, super ball switched out to the left and then a glancing header which needed a decent save from the keeper
People seriously watching children playing soccer ?
He’s one of those sickening people who are good at everything :lol:
These are young men, Fagan.