The Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-15s started the Torneo delle Nazioni tournament in Italy in impressive fashion with a 3-1 victory over Czechia this evening.Goals from Jaden Umeh, Brody Lee and Michael Noonan were enough to earn the win for Jason Donohue’s side -- who have now won seven games in a row.And the young Boys in Green will look secure a place in Saturday’s semi finals when they take on Saudi Arabia tomorrow afternoon. Ireland got off to a great start and were a head inside the first 10 minutes. Umeh was put through on goal and he made no mistake firing past Kyrstof Kostelny in the Czechia goal.From then on it was all Ireland, Umeh had the ball in the net when he finished off a pass from Noonan but Noonan was adjudged to be offside.
FT | #IRLU15 | 🇮🇪 3-1 🇨🇿
The perfect start to the Torneo delle Nazioni tournament for Jason Donohue’s side 👏
Jaden Umeh, Brody Lee and Michael Noonan all on target for Ireland ⚽️#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/kljrefqFus— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 25, 2023
Just before the half-hour mark Lee lit up the Stadio Comunale with a sensational goal. The tricky Shamrock Rovers winger was put through down the left and without hesitation drove into the box. He pirouetted around the defender before striking the ball first time to beat the keeper at the near post - a goal befitting any stage.Ireland extended their lead five minutes into the second half when Noonan flicked the ball home from close range. Lee crossed deep for Umeh, who unselfishly headed back across goal for St. Patrick's Athletic's Noonan to tap in.Czechia would strike back in the 58th minute when Vojtech Polak was allowed time in the area to find the bottom corner and give his team a life line.They almost found a second when Alex Noonan was forced into a smart save at his near post when Czechia pressed Ireland into a mistake and created an opening that was brilliantly kept out.Ireland were able to soak up the pressure and see out the victory in Italy.Republic of Ireland: Noonan, Coyle, Steward, McDonagh, Solanke (C), Finneran, Ogbonna (Costello, 50), Oladiti (McDonnell, 65), Noonan, Lee (Hayes 70), UmehCzechia: Kostelny, Vanek, Jerabek, Pech, Capra, Kotisek, Novak, Hendrych, Kilma, Polak (C), KrivanekSubstitutes: Dycka, Fuksa, Tupac, Podebradsjy, Suda, Potmesil, Palascak, Holinka, Frolik International fixtures/results (all times are Irish times)Tuesday, April 25 | Ireland MU15 3-1 Czechia MU15 Wednesday, April 26 | Ireland MU15 v Saudi Arabia MU15, StadioPier Giovanni Mecchia, Portogruaro, Italy, KO 4pm Saturday, April 29 | Ireland MU15 v TBC, Venue and KO TBC Monday, May 1 | Ireland MU15 v TBC , Venue and KO TBC
