Evan Ferguson’s second half equaliser means it's all to play for as the Jim Crawford’s Ireland U21s side drew 1-1 with Israel in the European Championship Play-off in Tallaght Stadium.
After a slow start to the game, Ireland grew into it and played some attractive football, with Aaron Connolly going close on his return to the Ireland U21s as Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz tipped the ball on to the post.
While midfielder Will Smallbone brought another solid safe from Peretz, as Ireland had the better of the chances in the first half.
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However, disaster struck for Ireland coming up to half time, as Israel took the lead through Idan Gorno, with Ireland goalkeeper Brian Maher failing to claim the ball after committing himself to the cross.
Idan Gorno beats Joe Redmond and Brian Maher to an inswinging corner to give Israel the lead just before half-time #rtesoccer
📺 Watch Live https://t.co/aR8cFzAlWf
📱 Live updates https://t.co/GM5KdWBhOi pic.twitter.com/ngDs8oBhK7— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 23, 2022
Ireland continued to press and play the games in the right areas, with Joe Hodge and Conor Coventry controlling the game in midfield, and Joe Redmond solid in defence.
Ireland U21s get their goal
The Ireland U21s got their equaliser they deserved when Ferguson headed in Tyreik Wright’s corner, the 17-year-old’s first goal for Ireland.
WHAT A LEAP
Evan Ferguson heads home Tyreik's Wrights's corner to level things up in Tallaght#rtesoccer
📺 Watch Live https://t.co/aR8cFzAlWf
📱 Live updates https://t.co/GM5KdWBhOi pic.twitter.com/CvT7gtNFPm— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 23, 2022
Ireland had their tails up as they searched for a winner, with Israel down to ten men as Stav Lemkin receiving red for dragging down Connolly on the edge of the box, while Ireland appealed for a penalty
The boys in green pushed for the winner as Connolly went close in the dying moments, but they had to settle for a draw as they travel to Israel on Tuesday for the second leg as they aim to qualify for the European Championships for the first time.
All eyes were on Connolly leading up to the game, with his selection with the U21s brought into question. However, an all-action display from the Brighton striker who is on loan at Italian Serie B side Venezia, showed what he can offer.
After been sprung into the spotlight in 2019, the last 18 months have been difficult for Connolly, losing his place with Brighton and Ireland. Speaking to RTÉ after the game, he said his love for the game has returned.
"I've gone to Italy. I've discovered that love for the game that even though pre-season nearly put me off it.
You can probably see out there that I'm healthy, I'm fit, I'm hungrier than ever to get in the Ireland first team and get back pushing with Brighton as well."
Man of the Match Aaron Connolly says he has rediscovered his love for the game and thinks Ireland will travel to Tel Aviv with lots of confidence #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/tBYUVQNPjX
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 23, 2022
The Ireland U21s will travel to Tel Aviv to the second leg Tuesday evening. It's all set for a fascinating second leg.
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