The Republic of Ireland U17s recorded their second defeat of the UEFA U17 International Tournament in Tallaght Stadium this afternoon. A 3-2 defeat to the Czech Republic was redeemed somewhat by the performance of Ireland's Real Betis starlet, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty.
Competing against England, Germany and the Czechs in a tournament hosted in Dublin, Garcia MacNulty had broken through to this level after previously appearing for Ireland at U15 and U16 level.
Trailing 1-0 after the Czech opposition opened the scoring, Garcia MacNulty, who played as a centre-half this afternoon, met this Irish corner and redirected the ball into the net.
What initially looks to be an incredibly acute finish, you'll have to decide for yourself just how this ball ended up in the net. Either way, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty looked thrilled to be on the scoreline.
What a start to the second half as Anselmo Garcia MacNulty brings #IRLU17 level! (1-1) #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/aUUV9kgrXI
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 11, 2018
Almost immediately after, the Republic of Ireland U17s were ahead; Sean Kennedy doing tremendous work to manufacture a goal from this opportunity.
What a turnaround! #IRLU17 score twice within five minutes of the restart to take the lead! Sean Kennedy with the finish to a fantastic move. (2-1) #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/NOeNgDBRWG
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 11, 2018
In the end, it wasn't to be for Ireland. As late as the 97th minute, the Czech Republic grabbed a late, late winner to make it two defeats from Ireland's opening two games.
With Germany to come next, there will be some solace at least at the sight of the young Spanish footballer with an Irish mother leaving his mark.
