A late, late goal from Greece denied Ireland Under-17s victory in their European Championship opener at Tallaght Stadium.
The Boys in Green couldn't hold on for all three points in a final tournament which is being hosted in Ireland for the first time since the switch from the U16 to U17 age grade.
UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group D, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 3/5/2019Ireland U17 vs Greece U17
Ireland's Matthew Everitt celebrates scoring the first goal of the game ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Brighton's Matt Everitt had given the Irish side the lead just before the hour mark. The midfielder pounced from close range after a well-work set piece fell into his path.
But Greece equalised deep into stoppage time with the referee over-ruling his linesman in awarding the goal.
UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group D, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 3/5/2019Ireland U17 vs Greece U17
Ireland's Festy Ebosele and Angelous Tsavos of Greece
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Initial Confusion
As the seconds ticked down, Greek goalkeeper Tzolakis launched the ball into the Irish box. After an initial clearance, the ball was played back in and eventually fell to substitute Dimitrios Arsenidis and the forward finished from close range.
However, the linesman on the Irish left touchline had already raised his flag for an apparent offside before the shot was taken.
But the referee over-ruled the official and awarded the goal much to the chagrin of the hosts.
UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group D, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 3/5/2019Ireland U17 vs Greece U17 ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
The result means all four sides are level in Group A. Belgium and Czech Republic had drawn 1-1 at Tolka Park earlier in the day.
Check out reaction from O'Brien, Everitt and captain Seamas Keogh here:
Next up for O'Brien's team is a clash against the Czechs in Waterford. Kick off at the RSC will be Monday at 7pm.
Ireland U17 will then return to Tallaght three days later for the final group game against Belgium.
#IRLU17 🇮🇪 0-0 Greece 🇬🇷
Here is the Ireland starting XI...
Gavin Bazunu
Sean McEvoy - Timi Sobowale - Andrew Omobamidele - James Furlong
Seamas Keogh - Joe Hodge
Matt Everitt - Charlie McCann - Festy Ebosele
Conor Carty#IRLGRE #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/bf3UPjwboa— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) May 3, 2019
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
