Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 Belgium | 2018 - U17 Championship | 2024293

UEFA European Under-17 Championship | Loughborough University Stadium, Loughborough

05 May 2018 - 17:45

Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 Belgium

full-time Sidibe(34) Vertessen(68)

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Defeat for Ireland in U17 EURO opener

Republic of Ireland 0-2 Belgium

5th May 2018

The Republic of Ireland Under 17’s got their European Under 17 Championship campaign off to a disappointing start as they went down 2-0 to Belgium at Loughborough University Stadium.

Goals in either half from Sekou Sidibe and Yorbe Vertessen ensured a clinical Belgian side claimed the three points.

Ireland opened the brighter but fell behind in the 34th minute when Sidibe slotted home the rebound after Nicolas Raskin’s initial effort came back off the crossbar.

Adam Idah called Nick Shinton into action in the Belgian goal on a number of occasions in the second period. The Ireland forward was denied in the 52nd minute when he got on the end of a long ball from Max Murphy.

Idah was frustrated again by Shinton eight minutes later as the Belgian keeper tipped the Corkman’s effort around the post. From the resulting corner Nathan Collins headed inches wide as Ireland continued to push for an opening.

Disaster was to strike though for Colin O’Brien’s side with 12 minutes remaining when Yorbe Vertessen was quickest to a rebound to put the Belgians into a lead they would not relinquish.

Next up for Ireland is a crucial clash with Denmark on Tuesday in St George’s Park.

Republic of Ireland: Corcoran; Murphy, Ledwidge, McEntee, Collins ©; Knight, Coffey, Brennan (Thompson 61); Idah, Parrott, Wright.

Belgium: Shinton; Persyn, Lissens, Vandermeulen, Dendoncker; Raskin ©, Mvom Onana, Suray (Timassi 66); Vertessen, Yayi Mpie (Doku 66), Sidibe.

Referee: Vilhjalmur Thorarinsson (ISL)

Ireland U-17 primed for European Championship Finals

The Republic of Ireland Under-17’s are all set for their UEFA European Championship group opener against Belgium at Loughborough University Stadium on Saturday with kick-off at 17:45.

4th May 2018

Colin O’Brien’s side go into the tournament as top seeds following an impressive qualification campaign that saw them win six games from six - all away from home.

This is the second year in succession the Under-17’s have played at the Finals, with last year’s quarter-final appearance the best yet since the tournament was regraded in 2000.

O’Brien can call on five players from last year’s edition in Croatia with team captain Nathan Collins, top scorer Adam Idah, Southampton defender Kameron Ledwidge, Wolves midfielder Callum Thompson and Aston Villa’s Tyreik Wright back for a second appearance at the Finals.

The Under-17 World Champions, England, host the tournament ahead of the 2019 competition being held in Ireland. Interest in the Republic of Ireland games has been unprecedented, with the second group game against Denmark and the third game against Bosnia & Herzegovina, both of which take place in St George’s Park, already selling out.

With 18 goals in six qualification matches, Ireland, Spain and Norway were the most profilic scorers on the road to England, all averaging three goals per game. Ireland forward Idah comes into the tournament as the top scorer in Europe, with his tally of eight goals putting the Corkman top of the charts.

Speaking ahead of the opening game, Ireland Head Coach Colin O’Brien was pleased with how preparations have gone to date. “Everything has gone really well so far. We are ready to embrace the challenge of the first game,” he said.

“Belgium will be a formidable outfit, they have had a very strong youth development structure and system within their country for the last number of years – you can see that in some of the players they have produced. They’ll be a very possession based team, will have a lot of pace throughout and will have a little bit about them on the counter attack as well. I think it will be a very good game between two really good teams.”

With the close proximity of the tournament to Ireland and the large Irish community based in the UK, demand for tickets has been high, with Irish fans expected to turn out in big numbers.

“We know how good the Irish support can be. It will be great to get that this week as we will need it. These tournaments are all about the three games in the group to start. They’ll all pose different challenges and any extra support we can get that will help us will be very much appreciated,” O’Brien added.

Republic of Ireland Under 17 Squad

1. Kian Clarke
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Shamrock Rovers
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Clean Sheets: 5
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin South
From: Tallaght, Dublin

2. Max Murphy
Position: Defender
Club: Stoke City
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 1
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Arklow
From: Ballybrack, Dublin

3. Kameron Ledwidge
Position: Defender
Club: Southampton
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 0
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin North
From: Finglas, Dublin

4. Oisin McEntee
Position: Defender
Club: Newcastle United
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 5
Goals: 0
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dundalk
From: Shercock, Cavan

5. Nathan Collins (Captain)
Position: Defender
Club: Stoke City
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 0
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin South
From: Leixlip, Kildare

6. Jason Knight
Position: Midfielder
Club: Derby County
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 0
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Arklow
From: Loughlinstown, Dublin

7. Callum Thompson
Position: Midfielder
Club: Wolves
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 0
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Arklow
From: Greystones, Wicklow

8. Barry Coffey
Position: Midfielder
Club: Celtic
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 1
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Limerick
From: Nenagh, Tipperary

9. Adam Idah
Position: Forward
Club: Norwich City
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 8
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Cork
From: Douglas, Cork

10. Troy Parrott
Position: Forward
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 5
Goals: 1
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin North
From: Summerhill, Dublin

11. Sean Brennan
Position: Midfielder
Club: Southampton
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 3
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin North
From: Hartstown, Dublin

12. Marc Walsh
Position: Midfielder
Club: Swansea City
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 1
Goals: 0
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Letterkenny
From: Gweedore, Donegal

13. Ray O’Sullivan
Position: Defender
Club: Wolves
2018 Qualifying Appearances: -
Goals: -
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin North
From: Rush, Dublin

14. Adam O’Reilly
Position: Midfielder
Club: Preston North End
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 4
Goals: 1
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Cork
From: Mahon, Cork

15. Jordan McEneff
Position: Forward
Club: Arsenal
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 2
Goals: 0
From: Derry

16. Jimmy Corcoran
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Cherry Orchard
2018 Qualifying Appearances: -
Clean Sheets: -
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dundalk
From: Kells, Meath

17. Tyriek Wright
Position: Forward
Club: Aston Villa
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 6
Goals: 2
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Cork
From: Ovens, Cork

18. Luca Connell
Position: Defender
2018 Qualifying Appearances: 2
Goals: 0
Club: Bolton Wanderers
From: Liverpool, England

19. Ryan Cassidy
Position: Forward
Club: Watford
2018 Qualifying Appearances: -
Goals: -
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin North
From: Castleknock, Dublin

20. Conor Grant
Position: Midfielder
Club: Sheffield Wednesday
2018 Qualifying Appearances: -
Goals: -
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin North
From: Donabate, Dublin

23. Sean Bohan
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Bohemians
2018 Qualifying Appearances: -
Clean Sheets: -
Emerging Talent Programme Centre of Excellence: Dublin North
From: Santry, Dublin

Group C Fixtures
Denmark v Bosnia & Herzegovina, 12.30pm Saturday 5 May, Loughborough University Stadium
Republic of Ireland v Belgium, 5.45pm Saturday 5 May, Loughborough University Stadium. Tickets available HERE
Republic of Ireland v Denmark, 1pm Tuesday 8 May, St. George's Park. SOLD OUT
Bosnia & Herzegovina v Belgium, 7pm Tuesday 8 May, Rotherham United
Belgium v Denmark, 1pm Friday 11 May, Chesterfield FC
Bosnia & Herzegovina v Republic of Ireland, 1pm Friday 11 May, St. George's Park. SOLD OUT

Tactical Lineups

Republic of Ireland

Substitutes

Coach

Colin O'Brien

Belgium

Substitutes

12 Maarten Vandevoordt (G)
5 Loic Masscho
8 Yari Verschaeren
9 Gabriel Lemoine
13 Elias Sierra
14 Killian Sardella
15 Halim Timassi
20 Jérémy Doku

Coach

Thierry Siquet

Officials

Referee Vilhjalmur Thorarinsson
Assistant Referees Douglas Potter
UEFA Delegate Ludovico Micallef
Assistant Referee Two Robert Steinacher
Fourth Official Dennis Higler
Referee Observer Vlado Svilokos

Minute by Minute Commentary

1" The match is under way.
2" Jamie Yayi Mpie (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
4" Nicolas Raskin (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland).
5" Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium).
6" Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland).
10" Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Sekou Sidibe (Belgium).
11" Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Tibo Persyn (Belgium).
13" Nicolas Raskin (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland).
14" Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
14" Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland) is flagged for offside.
17" Mathis Suray (Belgium) misses the target.
19" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) has a shot blocked.
21" Tibo Persyn (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland).
23" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is flagged for offside.
23" Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Nicolas Raskin (Belgium).
24" Yorbe Vertessen (Belgium) misses the target.
27" Tibo Persyn (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland).
28" Mathis Suray (Belgium) has an effort on goal.
28" Jimmy Corcoran (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
30" Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
32" Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Jason Knight (Republic of Ireland).
32" Yorbe Vertessen (Belgium) has a shot blocked.
34" Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium) misses the target.
34" Sekou Sidibe (Belgium) scores!
34" Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium) assists.
36" Yorbe Vertessen (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Jason Knight (Republic of Ireland).
37" Tibo Persyn (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland).
40" Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium) has a shot blocked.
The referee blows for half-time.
46" The second half begins.
42" Mathis Suray (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Barry Coffey (Republic of Ireland).
43" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is flagged for offside.
44" Mathis Suray (Belgium) takes the corner.
45" Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium).
47" Yorbe Vertessen (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Barry Coffey (Republic of Ireland).
49" Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Max Murphy (Republic of Ireland).
50" Nicolas Raskin (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Max Murphy (Republic of Ireland).
51" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is flagged for offside.
52" Yorbe Vertessen (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Oisin McEntee (Republic of Ireland).
54" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
54" Nick Shinton (Belgium) blocks a shot.
56" Mathis Suray (Belgium) takes the corner.
59" Nicolas Raskin (Belgium) has an effort on goal.
59" Jimmy Corcoran (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
60" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
60" Nick Shinton (Belgium) blocks a shot.
61" Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
61" Nathan Collins (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
61" Callum Thompson (in) - Sean Brennan (out) (@@teamID)
62" Nicolas Raskin (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Jason Knight (Republic of Ireland).
66" Halim Timassi (in) - Mathis Suray (out) (@@teamID)
66" Jérémy Doku (in) - Jamie Yayi Mpie (out) (@@teamID)
68" Yorbe Vertessen (Belgium) scores!
69" Halim Timassi (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Callum Thompson (Republic of Ireland).
70" Jérémy Doku (Belgium) is flagged for offside.
71" Halim Timassi (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Callum Thompson (Republic of Ireland).
72" Nathan Collins (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Amadou Onana (Belgium).
72" Nathan Collins (Republic of Ireland) is cautioned by the referee.
73" Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Nicolas Raskin (Belgium).
74" Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
75" Kameron Ledwidge (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Sekou Sidibe (Belgium).
76" Jason Knight (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Nicolas Raskin (Belgium).
76" Jason Knight (Republic of Ireland) is cautioned by the referee.
76" Nicolas Raskin (Belgium) is cautioned by the referee.
78" Siebe Vandermeulen (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Tyreik Wright (Republic of Ireland).
80" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Nicolas Raskin (Belgium).
82" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
83" Sekou Sidibe (Belgium) is penalised for a foul on Kameron Ledwidge (Republic of Ireland).
83" Sekou Sidibe (Belgium) is cautioned by the referee.
83" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) has a shot blocked.
83" Max Murphy (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
83" Nick Shinton (Belgium) blocks a shot.
The final whistle is blown.