Tue, April 8th, 2008: Irish Under 16's Defeated 1-0 by Germany in Blarney

 

Vincent Butler's Republic of Ireland under 16 side were defeated 1-0 by a strong German outfit in Blarney tonight (Tuesday.) Hertha Berlin striker, Abu-Bakarr Kargbo got the winning goal on the stroke of half-time in front of a 1,500-strong crowd at O'Shea Park at Blarney United.

 

Germany started the game brightly and tested the Irish defence early on but the Cork pairing of John Egan and Anthony O' Connor were strong in defence and they snuffed out any German threats early on.

 

Germany had a glorious opportunity to take the lead after 25 minutes, Werder Bremen's Lennart Thy ran on to a clever through ball towards the on-rushing keeper, however, Irish captain, Anthony O'Connor recovered well and executed a perfectly timed slide tackle before Thy took his shot.

 

Irish right back, Leigh Swords came to Ireland's rescue five minutes later as a deep German corner came in from the left and Abu-Bakarr Kargbo powered his header past Ciaran Gallagher in the Irish goal but the Belvedere defender cleared the ball from the line.

 

Germany were enjoying the lions share of possession mid-way through the first half and they should have taken the lead when Mario Goetze provided a pin-point pass to Abu-Bakarr Kargbo in the box and his first-time effort hit the outside of the Irish post and out for a goal-kick.

 

Irish striker, Michael Rafter worked hard up-front as he battled for possession throughout, his hard work almost paid off in the 37th minute when he ran on to a sloppy clearance from the German defence but his shot was screwed just to the right of the German goalkeeper.

 

Germany took the lead just before the half time whistle, an out-swinging corner was met by the head of Mario Goetze and Irish goalkeeper, Ciaran Gallagher managed to block the ball just as far as the ever-dangerous Abu-Bakarr Kargbo who headed the ball into the back of the net.

 

The Irish returned after half-time with more purpose as they penetrated the German back line on a number of occasions. In the 53rd minute, right sided midfielder, Sean Stewart left his marker for dead as he raced down the touch-line, his low cross into the box was inches in front of Michael Rafter who failed to connect with the ball.

 

Irish manager, Vincent Butler introduced three substitutes midway through the second half, Danny Fitzsimons, Stephen McDonnell and Oliver Kelly and the fresh legs inspired the Irish as they pushed forward into the final third but they were unable to create an opening in front of the German goal.

 

The two sides will meet again this week as The Boys in Green seek revenge for the narrow defeat at O’ Shea Park in Blarney, Listowel Celtic will host the second leg of the double international friendly, kick-off at 5.45pm.

 

Republic of Ireland: Ciaran Gallagher, Leigh Swords, Danny Joyce, John Egan, Anthony O’Connor (C), Shane Murray, Sean Stewart, Sean Skelly, Selcuk Tidim

Michael Rafter, Ryan Connolly,

Substitutes: Aaron McCarey (GK), Mark O’Brien, David Culhane, Danny Fitzsimons (on for Leigh Swords 50 Mins), Stephen McDonnell (on for Shane Murray, 64 Mins) Oliver Kelly (on for Sean Skelly 50 Mins), Robert Benson, Bryan Murphy

Germany: Marc André ter Stegen, Matthias Zimmermann, Khaled Mesfin-Mulugeta, Jens Gottschick, Gerrit Nauber (C), Sebastian Dreier, Alexander Merkel, Reinhold Yabo, Lennart Thy, Mario Goetze, Abu-Bakarr Kargbo

Substitutes: Jonas Ermes (GK), Tommy Grupe, Lennard Anjetey Sowah, Markus Ziereis, Christopher-Massamba Mandiangu

Referee: Alan Kelly