References

[1] (1991) “6th World Youth Championship for the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Cup 1991” World Soccer. August 1991. pg. 19.

[2] Paul Hyland (1991) “Argentina face World ban” Irish Independent. Wednesday June 19th, 1991. pg. 12 [Past Copies of the Irish Independent are Available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ][Accessed 4 December 2021]

References

[1] (1991) “6th World Youth Championship for the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Cup 1991” World Soccer. August 1991. pg. 19.

[2] Paul Hyland (1991) “Irish hopes high after sparks fly in Lisbon” Irish Independent. Monday June 17th, 1991. pg. 23 [Past Copies of the Irish Independent are Available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ][Accessed 4 December 2021]

 

Republic of Ireland opened their 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship with a 0-2 loss to eventual Champions Portugal. Pinto and Rocha were the Portuguese goalscorers, netting a goal in each half.

Ireland had a chance early on when in the 15th minute Kieran Brady broke into the Portuguese half, beating two defenders on the way but decided to go alone rather than supply the more obvious square ball when he had advanced on the penalty box and the chance was lost.

A minute later a poor back pass from John Carroll to Goalkeeper John Connolly was picked up by Luis Figo. Despite Carroll and Connolly managing to smother the ball between them it broke free and fell to Pinto who tapped it in.

Chances fell to both Kieran Toal and Barry O’Connor in the second half, from passes supplied by John Bacon and Brian Byrne (on for Brady in the 57th minute).

Ireland acquired more backbone in defense as the second half progressed, but were not able to prevent Rocha weaving his way through the entire Irish defense in the 75th minute to drive a shot past John Connolly in goal.

Irish Coach Maurice Setters, fuming at a poor Irish display and pernickitity FIFA Refereeing was sent off for repeatedly leaving the dugout area, and was sent off by the Referee.

Scoring

Portugal (1) 2 (Pinto 16, Rocha 75)

Republic of Ireland (0) 0

References

[1] (1991) “6th World Youth Championship for the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Cup 1991” World Soccer. August 1991. pg. 19.

[2] Paul Hyland (1991) “Red for Setters” Irish Independent. Saturday, June 15th 1991. pg. 17. [Past Copies of the Irish Independent are Available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ][Accessed 4 December 2021]