Republic of Ireland U-19 1-1 Israel U-19
The Republic of Ireland Under-19s were denied their first win of the UEFA elite stage qualifiers in Portugal last night when Israel nicked a point with a late equaliser.
Conceding of a last-gasp Portugal winner in Saturday's opener - after being the better team throughout - put a massive dent in Ireland's qualification hopes and they went out of contention two days later when Ukraine struck three goals without reply.
This concluding tie in Ferreira began well for Paul Doolin's side, with their dominance eventually earning a breakthrough five minutes into the second half.
Millwall striker Aidan O'Brien was on hand to supply Ireland's first goal of the series with a well-taken finish.
George Smith and John O'Sullivan spurned chances to extend the advantage and that profligacy caught up with them a minute from full-time when Shahar Hirsh equalised following a corner from fellow Israel substitute Ismail Raiyan.
Mini-group hosts Portugal defeated Ukraine 3-0 in the other game to finish top of the four-nation group and book a place in next month's European Championships in Estonia.
Republic of Ireland: S. McDermott (Arsenal); M. Barker (Bohemians), N. Byrne (Rochdale), T. Hoban (Watford), D. Williams (Aston Villa); J. O'Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), F. Sutherland (QPR), B. Garmston (West Brom); G Smith(Southend), A. O'Brien (Millwall), A. Forde (Wolves).
Subs: L. Byrne (Bohemians) for Williams (59), C. Morrissey (Trieste) for Smith (87)
Israel: Shushan; Akafi, Hayek, Abu, Tchalisher; Kochav, Perel, Kanuk, Atar; Lax, Elo.
Subs: Hirsh for Kochav, Raiyan for Lax (both 54), Azubel for Atar (73).
Referee: Danilo Grujić (Serbia).
