Republic of Ireland 1
New Zealand 1
Netherlands 1
Nigeria 0
Canada 2
Republic of Ireland 3 - 0 Luxembourg
Ireland U21: Classy display seals Luxembourg win
Cork-born Adam Idah notched an impressive brace and UCD forward Neil Farrugia also scored as Ireland won their first game of their UEFA U-21 2021 European Championships qualifying campaign.
Ireland were always in complete control of the contest and will have been disappointed not to have scored more in front of a fantastic crowd of 4,772 at Tallaght Stadium.
Both Idah and Farrugia had chances within the first 10 minutes of the contest to open the scoring, before the Norwich City striker Idah finally did just that past the half-hour. The 18-year old rose highest to powerfully head home Farrugia's corner to put Ireland ahead.
Kenny's side continued the pressure and doubled their lead just five minutes later. Man of the Match Connor Ronan found the perfect pass to slip in the UCD man and he clipped the ball over the keeper to the delight of the home crowd.
The pressure continued after the break and Ireland extended their lead in the 67th minute. Once again, Ronan broke away past the half-way line to slot in the on-rushing Idah and he powered the ball past the keeper from just inside the area.
That completed the scoring for the home side as they start their campaign with three points and manager Kenny was delighted with the display.
"I thought we were excellent at times, some fantastic spells of play and I thought the quality of goals were fantastic," said manager Stephen Kenny.
"We've got things we need to improve on of course, but to see such confidence on the ball from a young group is really encouraging at the start of the campaign. We wanted to get that three points on the board early and now we go to the Toulon Tournament in June, and look forward to it.
"There were many excellent performances across the pitch, we took our goals really well and I really thought we could have scored a few more, but we can learn from that and it's a great start."
Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Lee O'Connor, Darragh Leahy, Dara O'Shea, Conor Coventry, Zach Elbouzedi (Michael O'Connor 89), Jayson Molumby (C) (Jamie Lennon 77), Adam Idah (Brandan Kavanagh 89), Connor Ronan (Dan Mandroiu 85), Neil Farrugia (Aaron Drinan 89), Conor Masterson.
Luxembourg: Tom Ottele (GK), Eric Brandenburger, Ten Held, Pit Simon, Kevin D'Anzico, Luca Duriatti (C) (Dylan Kuete 87), Clayton Duarte, Jan Ostrowski, Mathias Olesen (Loris Tinelli 68), Lucas Prudhomme, Kenan Avdusinovic (Yannick Schaus 61).
Referee: Timotheos Christofi (CYP)
Ireland U21: Elbouzedi relishing Luxembourg opener
Stephen Kenny's side start their campaign at Tallaght Stadium against Luxembourg, with kick-off at 5pm. Over 5,000 supporters are expected to attend the match to witness Ireland's next generation under their new manager.
Elbouzedi has received his first U-21 call-up following his move to SSE Airtricity League Premier Division side Waterford this year and has thoroughly enjoyed his move back to Ireland.
"It's been great. The league is full of young players and the standard is really high so it's been a great move for me so far," said Elbouzedi.
"Waterford and Alan Reynolds, in particular, have shown real faith in me, bringing me back over and now it has led to my first U-21 call-up, I'm really happy.
"When I got the call-up, I was buzzing. It's a huge honour and it's been a great week so far, and we're looking forward to the game."
The 20-year old is one of nine SSE Airtricity League players involved in the 22-man squad who've been selected in Kenny's first competitive squad as Ireland U-21 manager.
Having trained with the squad this week, Elbouzedi has praised the standard of the squad and has enjoyed working under new manager Kenny.
"The quality in the squad is really exciting. Most of us have already played together in the under-age teams and there has been a great buzz about training throughout the week," Elbouzedi continued.
"It's really important we get off to a good start and three points against Luxembourg. We're really hoping to get to play in front of a big crowd in Tallaght and to see so many people talking about the game is great.
"We've got to start the campaign with three points and we're really looking forward to the match. To be part of this new group is a real honour and I can't wait to step out there and play in that green jersey."
Supporters are advised to arrive at Tallaght Stadium early due to the crowd expected. Ticket collections will be available from 3pm from the Ticketmaster van outside Tallaght Stadium's main reception. Parking will be available on level three at the Square Tallaght, opposite the stadium.
Tactical Lineups
Republic of Ireland
Substitutes
- 23 Gavin Bazunu (G)
- 4 Corrie Ndaba
- 12 Barry Cotter
- 14 Jamie Lennon
- 16 Danny Mandroiu
- 18 Michael O'Connor
- 19 Aaron Drinan
- 21 Liam Scales
- 22 Brandon Kavanagh
Coach
Stephen Kenny
Luxembourg
Substitutes
- 12 Joao Machado (G)
- 13 Lucas Coopmans
- 14 Loris Tinelli
- 15 Dylan Kuete
- 16 Yannick Schaus
- 17 Fabien Heinz
- 18 Tiago Semedo
Coach
Manuel Cardoni
Officials
- Referee Timotheos Christofi
- Assistant Referees Charalambos Charalambous
- UEFA Delegate Aurel Ionescu
- Assistant Referee Two Charalampos Georgiou
- Fourth Official Vasilis Dimitriou
- Referee Observer Marcel Van Elshocht
Match Statistics
- Republic of Ireland
- Luxembourg
Minute by Minute Commentary