The last few years have been far from ideal for Irish International fans but Jim Crawford's U21 side carried some well-needed hope when the senior team's results were disappointing to say the least.
But Norway's controversial late equaliser on Friday against Ireland's young guns put a dent in their Euro 2025 qualifying dreams.
In a packed Turner's Cross, Crawford's side took on the Norwegians as hopes grew as a victory would've guaranteed a European U-21 Championship play-off spot. With unbeaten group leaders Italy looking as assured as ever, a 2nd place finish would be a huge achievement for The Boys In Green.
For much of the contest the two sides were locked in a stalemate, until wing-back Seán Roughan excellently managed to find a way through in the 75th minute which looked set to seal a top-two finish for Ireland.
But Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup was on hand to fire in a 93rd minute equaliser following a clear pull on centre-back Anselmo Garcia MacNulty’s jersey in the lead up to the goal.
The leveller was greeted with a chorus of boos from the home crowd with the man in the middle seemingly the only one who hadn't noticed the foul before the goal.
Manager Crawford was evidently frustrated when speaking to reporters after the match:
What I’d ask any official is ‘is that a free-kick?’ I hope the officials look back over it again and see what they think, because they said to me they looked at it back and it wasn’t a free-kick. It’s too late now. We can’t change anything but it’s a tough one to take. Norway are a good team, we understand that but I know we’re better.
Not a foul apparently.
Sickener for the Ireland U21s. pic.twitter.com/LPVhvzWmxt— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 11, 2024
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Ireland U21's Controversial Late Concession Has Huge Implications On Qualifying
Ahead of the crucial encounter, suspended striker Sinclair Armstrong and injured captain Joe Hodge were among the major absentees but with the likes of captain Andy Moran, Peterborough's Sam Curtis and Rovers Johnny Kenny, there was a feeling there was enough quality available to Crawford to get over the line.
FT 🇮🇪 1-1 🇳🇴
Agony for Ireland. They are denied victory at the death, after huge home shouts for a foul on Anselmo García MacNulty in the build-up.
📺
https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7
🖥️https://t.co/E7dtFbwCMP pic.twitter.com/5FhYxJOzPC— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 11, 2024
The controversial draw now leaves Ireland in a difficult position. While Norway welcome Turkey to Stavanger, Crawford's charges travel to Trieste to face top seeds Italy on Tuesday, knowing that if they fail to get a point and should Norway beat Turkey then they will be left in third and their European Championship dream will be over.
