The Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-15s were beaten 2-0 by Spain in their second game of the Football Federations Cup. A goal in each half from Real Madrid pair Jose Antonio Reyes Lopez and Daniel Yanez Barla was enough to win the game for the hosts at the Estadio Municipal Los Arcos, Spain. Ireland were looking to build on an exciting display against Mexico on Thursday where the young Boys in Green were unfortunate not to win the encounter against their North American opponents. They found themselves behind after 12 minutes when Spain were able to capitalise on an uncleared ball on the edge of the Ireland 18-yard box. Spain were able to steal possession before Reyes Lopez punished Ireland with the finish. Jason Donohue’s side had a glorious chance to equalise in the 23rd minute when Cathal O’Sullivan played a dangerous ball across goal but Mason Melia was unable to apply the finish. At half-time Ivan Graminschii and Darragh Marshall were introduced as Ireland looked for a way back into the game. Spain went close to doubling the lead in the 47th minute when they first hit the bar then Roche was forced to clear from off the line. The hosts made it 2-0 in the 61st minute through a penalty. Real Madrid’s Yanez Barla converted the spot-kick to double Spain’s lead. Ireland looked for a way back into the game but Spain were able to see out the match and claim their second win of the tournament.
Republic of Ireland: Collins; Harnett (Chan 60), Roche (C), Boruc (Graminschii 40), Mulligan, Mare (Marshall 40) O’Sullivan (Crossan 75), O’Donnell (Sammon 62), Sean Moore, Fitzgerald, Melia (Agbontaen, 60)
Spain: Gonzalez Paro, Melvin Ukpegbe, Robana Hernandez, Martinez Lozano, Alex Petersson Ay, Reyes Lopez, Junyent Casanova, Reyes Hernandez, Alvarez Moron, Munoz Batille, Olea Munoz, Vicente Belmote.
Substitutes: Sangare Traore, Navarro Escriche, Cubarsi Paredes, Cuenca Cejudo, Avila Marmol, Yanez Barla, Duran Sarmento, Fernandez Cortes, Hernandez Torres, Diallo Thiao, Pagazartunduia Et, Vicente Belmote
International Friendly Fixtures (kick-off time is Irish time)
Tuesday, December 7 | Republic of Ireland MU15 v Poland MU15, Camps de Futbol Oliva Nova, KO 2pm
International Friendly Results
Thursday, December 5 | Republic of Ireland MU15 0-0 Mexico MU15
Sunday, December 7 | Spain MU15 2-0 Republic of Ireland MU15
