The Republic of Ireland’s Men’s Under-15s team went down 4-0 to Spain in their second UEFA Development Tournament game. Ireland had created the better opportunities in the first half but trailed at half-time with Juan Vacas Diaz scoring from the spot.Ireland found the Spanish goalkeeper Nacho Marina Diaz in inspired form as he denied the young Boys in Green on eight occasions in the first half. But three goals in the second half from Spain were enough for them to record a convincing win. Tuesday’s goalscorers Michael Nonnan and Brody Lee started the game and it was Ireland who were on the front foot from the kick-off. Grady McDonnell almost gave Ireland a dream start in the 5th minute when he combined with Ade Solanke but his effort was saved by Diaz in the Spanish goal – that would be a theme for the opening period. Ireland were the side on top and McDonnell had two efforts at goal as they looked to make the break through.
RESULT | #IRLU15 | 🇮🇪 0-4 🇪🇸
A tough result to take for our young side but positive intent from Ireland as they went toe-to-toe with Spain
Next up is Croatia on Monday ☘️#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/IcWRQxbfzE— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) October 21, 2022
But midway through the half, Spain were awarded a harsh penalty for a handball. Real Madrid's Juan Vacas Diaz stepped up to fire to Alex Noonan’s left. At the half-hour mark Michael Noonan forced Diaz into yet another save and three minutes later the St. Patrick’s Athletic striker was thwarted by the Real Madrid stopper once more. Diaz was a busy man denying both Noonan and McDonnell’s efforts in quick succession as Ireland created the better of the chances in the opening period. After the break Spain came out looking to put daylight between themselves and Ireland. They extended their lead in the 53rd minute when they capitalised on a good save from Alex Noonan to find the net and by the 70th minute it was 3-0 when Igor Oyono got on the end of a corner. The Villarreal striker got his second just before full time when he took advantage of a defensive mistake to finish. Next up for Ireland are the hosts Croatia on Monday morning. Republic of Ireland: A.Noonan, Solanke (C) (C. Doyle, 50), Oladiti (AJ. Doyle, 50), Steward, Costello, McDonagh, McDonnell (Mastos, 60), Finneran (O’Connell, 50), Noonan (Tollett, 50), Umeh (Hayes, 75), Lee (Kovalevskis, 75) Spain: I. Diaz, Espinosa, Garcia, Alonso, G.Casino (C), J Diaz, Sarmiento, Afan, I. Lopez, N. Lopez, Gonzalez, Substitutes: Medina, Vazquez, Martori, Vilchez, A. Casino, A. L. Muñoz, Igelesias, A.P. Muñoz, Oyon Referee: Nikola Meič (Croatia) UEFA Development Tournament results/fixtures (all kick-offs are Irish time)Wednesday, October 19 | Republic of Ireland MU15 2-1 Cyprus MU15Friday, October 21 | Republic of Ireland MU15 0-4 Spain MU15Monday, October 24 | Croatia MU15 v Republic of Ireland MU15, Velika Gorica, Zagreb, Croatia, KO 10am
