The Republic of Ireland bounced back from their slender 3-2 defeat to Switzerland on Thursday to show tremendous character to come from behind and earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Austria on Saturday afternoon in their UEFA Development Tournament.
Despite the loss a couple of days ago, in which the young Irish side put in an excellent performance and had enough chances to snatch the win, Ireland's future stars proved again they're made of stern stuff as Goodness Ogbonna’s second-half strike levelled the tie, despite having fallen behind to a questionable penalty.
With three games over the five days, Paul Osam rotated heavily and opted for nine changes to the side that started on Thursday, giving him a good look at his squad against strong opposition.
The Austrians, who fell to a 5-1 defeat in their opener against a very talented Portuguese side, were looking to bounce back themselves and provided yet another stern test.
Following a tense and tight opening period in which there was little in the way of goal-mouth action, the first-half water break seemed to spark both teams to life. The dangerous Nicolaz Jozepovic, one of eight Red Bull Football Academy players in the Austrian squad, forced Shamrock Rovers stopper Alex Noonan into a sharp save down to his left from the edge of the area.
Ireland almost replied immediately as they flew up the other end, and the tireless David Dunne delivered a dangerous deep cross towards Sam Rooney, who couldn't guide his looping header on target.
The Austrians finished the half stronger though, and the classy Jozepovic was at it again, with some clever movement to find space just off the front and forcing Noonan into action again with an acrobatic full-stretch stop as the young boys in green looked to get to the break unscathed.
Brody Lee did look good on the ball for the Irish, showing his close control and excellent dribbling ability at every chance, but the wide man really should have put Ireland ahead five minutes after the restart, as he ghosted in at the back post unmarked but failed to get a proper connection with his header.
Having made a good start to the second half, Ireland fell behind just before the hour-mark in controversial circumstances. Austrian attacker Hasan Deshishku broke free down the right before entering the box, and just as he got inside, seemed to step away from the path of the ball and throw his body into the helpless Bohemians defender Oskar Scoubo Keely before going to ground.
Much to the young centre-backs bemusement, the referee pointed to the spot and Deshishku dusted himself down, making no mistake from 12-yards.
FT | Ireland MU16 1-1 Austria MU16
Goodness Ogbonna's strike 10 minutes from time sees Ireland get a deserved share of the spoils after an impressive display against Austria 👏
Great performance from the young side 💚 pic.twitter.com/ZQ1Wv4ym0l
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 11, 2024
Osam freshened things up and made the changes thereafter in a bid to haul themselves level. The changes had somewhat of a positive impact as the Irish youngsters flew forward.
Dundalk's Vinnie Leonard saw his acrobatic over-head kick snuffed out as they tried desperately to build a head of steam. With just over 10-minutes remaining, Ireland almost levelled when St. Patrick’s duo Billy Canny and Michael Noonan caused a mass scramble in the area but the equaliser was to come moments later.
Ireland got the goal their pressure deserved when midfield-maestro Ogbonna scored his second goal in consecutive games when his powerful strike went through Paulo Gmeiner's legs in the Austrian net and trickled over the line.
All the hard work to get back on an even-keel was almost undone when Dominik Dobis cut inside from the left wing before smashing his right-footed effort off the bar.
Having survived this scare, the Irish starlets showed incredible grit and determination to ensure it wasn’t back-to-back defeats with another good showing in the Portuguese heat.
Ireland now rounding off a busy week with the third and final game against the hosts, Portugal, on Monday evening, with kick-off at 5pm.
Rep. of Ireland: Alex Noonan (GK); Sam Rooney (Michael Noonan, 63’) , Oisin McDonagh (C) (Oskar Scoubo Keely, 45’), Daniel Costello (Billy O’Neill, 84’), Vinnie Leonard; Ramon Martos (Grady McDonnell, 63’), Muhammad Oladiti (Sam Steward, 45’), Billy Hayes (Finn Sherlock, 66’); Goodness Ogbonna, Brody Lee (Ade Solanke, 63’), David Dunne (Billy Canny, 66’).
Austria: Paulo Gmeiner, Sergej Savic, Nicolas Jozepovic, Lukas Fabian, Hasan Deshishku, Tammo Schiertz, Christopher Wolbl, Ryan Rodriguez German, Vasilue Markovic, David Veskovic, Lorian Kolloni Ireland, Amora, Portugal, KO 5pm
UEFA Development Tournament Fixtures (Kick-offs are Irish Standard Time)
Thursday, May 9: Switzerland 3-2 Ireland, Vendes Novas, Portugal, KO 11am
Saturday, May 11 | Ireland 1-1 Austria, Seixal, Portugal, KO 5pm
Monday, May 14 | Portugal vs. Ireland, Amora, Portugal, KO 5pm
