Republic of Ireland 4 - 0 Romania | 2022 - Amateur Internationals | 999948327

Amateur Internationals UEFA Regions Cup Qualifying | Albena, Bulgaria

28 Oct 2022 09:00

Republic of Ireland 4 - 0 Romania

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Lineups
Minute by Minute Commentary
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Irish Amateurs qualify for UEFA Regions Cup

The Irish Amateur side have qualified for the UEFA Regions Cup finals next Summer following a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Romania in this morning's Group 6 qualifier in Albena, Bulgaria.

28th Oct 2022

Ireland required Bulgaria to drop points against San Marino in the group's other fixture and when they drew 1-1 this afternoon it confirmed Gerry Davis' side spot at the tournament.

It caps off a fine week for Ireland who qualify with a game to spare. They kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 triumph over San Marino on Tuesday with this morning's win placing them top of the group following a polished and disciplined display over the Romanians.

Today's performance was excellent from start to finish as the Irish executed a tactical game plan to claim the three points on offer.

Goals from Jack McMullen, Sam Burgess, Eoin Murphy and a Stephen Chambers penalty eased them to a comfortable win with their opponents finishing the match with nine players after two second half dismissals.

The Amateurs dominated proceedings but Romania had some fine individual players and were dangerous from free-kicks and corners. But it was the Brendan O'Connell skippered Irish who carried a more potent threat with AJ O'Connor and Stephen Chambers knitting much of the play together with their accurate passing while the pace of Sam Burgess and Eoin Murphy constantly troubled their opponents forcing them into hurried clearances.

Home Farm's McMullen made the breakthrough in the 37th minute with the tall central defender rising high to head home from a pin-point Stephen Chambers corner.

Romania were reduced to 10-men just a minute after the restart when Greek referee Vassilis Fotias sent off Ovidiu Gheorghe for a nasty foul on Burgess.

Seven minutes later, Killester Donnycarney's Burgess doubled the Iead with a composed finish past Marinica and the game was out of sight by the 61st minute when Rockmount's Eoin Murphy netted his second goal of the tournament with an assist from clubmate Nathan Broderick.

Substitute Romanian midfielder Daniel Dumitru came on in 61st minute, picked up a yellow card in the 64th minute and was red-carded in the 67th minute after fouling Murphy for a penalty.

Chambers slotted home from the spot to give the Boys in Green an unassailable lead.

Head Coach Davis was able to empty his bench with debut appearances Jack Parke, Gary Cunningham and Glen Daly while Kilbarrack United's Deiric Hyland and Aaron Humphries also saw game time coming in off the bench.

The only sour note was a yellow card of the tournament for Luke Casey which rules him out of Monday's clash with Bulgaria, the final game of the group.

FAI AMATEURS: Brendan O'Connell (Gary Cunningham 78); Lee McColgan (Jack Parke 68), Adam Crowley, Jack McMullan, AJ O'Connor, Nathan Broderick, Stephen Chambers (Aaron Humphries 68), Luke Casey, Chris Smith, Eoin Murphy (Deiric Hyland 69), Sam Burgess (Glen Daly 77).

Referee: Vassilis Fotias (Greece)

Preview | Republic of Ireland v Romania

Republic of Ireland Amateur International side go into Friday's match against Romania knowing that a win could earn them a spot in next summer's UEFA Regions Cup finals.

27th Oct 2022

Ireland are set to face Romania at the Albena Sports Complex, Bulgaria on Friday, October 28, with kick-off at 9am (Irish Time). Ireland secured an important 2-0 victory in the opening match of the qualifying phase as Rockmount duo Luke Casey and Eoin Murphy secured the win over San Marino.

Romania drew with qualifying phase hosts Bulgaria in their opening fixture meaning if Ireland win against Romania tomorrow and Bulgaria draw against San Marino, Ireland would be confirmed as group winners.

Match Details

Fixture: Republic of Ireland v Romania
Date: Friday, October 28
Time: 9am (Irish Time)
Tournament: UEFA Regions Cup Qualifying
TV: Bulgarian FA YouTube Channel

Match Officials

Referee: Vassilis Fotias (GRE)
Assistant 1: Andreas Meintanas (GRE)
Assistant 2: Georgi Stamboldjiev (BUL)
Fourth Official: Radoslav Gidzhenov (BUL)

What he said - Manager Gerry Davis

"To win any match at international level is difficult, so It was important to get something out of our first match and to win was excellent against a good San Marino side. After the match had settled down, we were the dominant team and even though they ended up having two players red-carded, it was the pressure we exerted on them that drew those sanctions. We fully deserved the win and we were unlucky not to have added to our tally.

"Along with the rest of the coaching staff we were able to watch the second match between Romania and Bulgaria (1-1) and both are technical sides with excellent players, so we know we have our work cut out.

"We'll go through the video analysis and prepare accordingly. A lot of it is about what happens on the day and our focus is providing the players with the information so we can create as many opportunities as possible.

"It's going to be a difficult game against a good side but a lot of work has gone into our preparations. No one is looking beyond the Romanian match and even though we have one or two knocks, we should be all good to go come kick-off time."

What he said - Midfielder AJ O'Connor

"The coaching staff had us very well prepared and we played like a proper team, were patient and exposed their weaknesses and I was just so proud to be part of a victory at international level.

"Romania are a step up from San Marino but we are preparing for the game to get the result that matters. There's a great unity and focus of purpose within the squad and we realise the prize that is on offer, so we'll be giving it our best shot.

"I've been so impressed with the quality of our own players but also the effort the team and staff have put into this campaign and we'd love nothing better than to deliver the right result against Romania.

"I thought the game was not as physical as you would experience playing in Limerick but keeping our shape and discipline against Romania will be a crucial element in helping us secure the points on offer."

Republic of Ireland Squad - UEFA Regions Cup Qualifying

Goalkeepers: Brendan O'Connell (Rockmount), Gary Cunningham (Westport United)
Defenders: Adam Crowley (Rockmount), Jack McMullen (Home Farm), Jack Parke (Bonagee United), Aaron Humphries (Kilbarrack United), Lee McColgan (Cockhill Celtic), Chris Smith (Aisling Annacotty).
Midfielders: Stephen Chambers (Killester Donnycarney), Eoin Murphy (Rockmount), Luke Casey (Rockmount), Nathan Broderick (Rockmount), AJ O'Connor (Fairview Rangers), Jimmy Carr (St. Michael's).
Forwards: Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Sam Burgess (Killester Donnycarney), Glen Daly (Malahide United), Deiric Hyland (Kilbarrack United).

UEFA Regions Cup Qualifying - Fixtures/Results

25/10 - Ireland 2-0 San Marino
28/10 - Ireland v Romania, 9am
31/10 - Ireland v Bulgaria, 1pm

All matches to be played at Albena, Bulgaria.