Ireland U21s suffered a heartbreaking 2-2 draw in their European Championship qualification game against Italy U21s, thanks to a 97th minute equaliser with what was virtually the last play of the game.
There was a buzzy atmosphere at Tuner's Cross, Cork, to see a team featuring some of the country's best prospects including Sinclair Armstrong and Sam Curtis.
Sinclair Armstrong Shines For Ireland U21s
It was Ireland who scored first through Killian Phillips, with Armstrong grabbing assist, but Italy levelled things with a penalty on the cusp of half-time.
Absolutely superb stuff from Sinclair Armstrong in the buildup to Killian Phillips' opener for the Ireland U21s against Italy 🔥 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/PE4xGlbsGf
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 21, 2023
21 November 2023; A member of the Italy coaching staff tussles with Republic of Ireland players and staff after the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Italy at Turners Cross in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Ireland, who were unfazed by an Italian side with a heap of Serie A experience, grabbed the lead once more when Armstrong bundled in from close range, after Sean Grehan's beautiful cross had come back off the post.
Leeds' Wilfied Gnonto - who converted the penalty - hit the post after 90 minutes, before keeper Josh Keeley miraculously kept out the rebound.
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Ireland's luck ran out minutes later when a mishit shot fell to Gnonto, whose header then deflected off Matt Healy and into the net.
Ireland had time for kick-off before the referee blew for full-time.
There were also some unsavoury scenes after the game. Both sets of players and staff arguing in the middle of the field, with Armstrong heavily involved and clearly unhappy about an action from one of the Italians.
The result leaves Ireland second in Group A; a point behind Italy and one ahead of third-place Norway.
Sinclair Armstrong is a baller. That is all.pic.twitter.com/0nXrDeCczu
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 21, 2023
Gnonto hits the post before Josh Keeley makes a potentially match-winning save!
🇮🇪 #IRLU21 2-1 ITA 🇮🇹
📺 RTÉ 2 & RTÉ Player https://t.co/rEypK4GBey
📱 Updates https://t.co/wExklV6oFx pic.twitter.com/FyiuzrTDHc
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 21, 2023
Heartbreak for Ireland as Italy draw level in the dying seconds.
🇮🇪 #IRLU21 2-2 ITA 🇮🇹
📺 RTÉ 2 & RTÉ Player https://t.co/uHRfiPJEjQ
📱 Updates https://t.co/waMvyPvL5Y pic.twitter.com/cgYhDv3Mjk
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 21, 2023
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