Juniors qualify for Nations Cup final - September 8, 2000 Ireland 2 Poland 1 Ireland made it three wins out of three to qualify for the finals of the Nations Cup when they beat Poland 2-1 in a hot-tempered game in Finland yesterday. After wins against Finland and Lithuania the Irish only needed a draw from yesterday's game to top Group 3. But they went one better, with a win which delighted the Irish camp. A scoreless draw looked the most likely result as defences were on top for both teams but Ireland broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when they were awarded a penalty. Barry Flynn was taken down in the box and up stepped Chris Madden to dispatch the ball home. The Poles hit back five minutes later through Anusiewicz. Minutes later Poland were reduced to ten men when Ziabski was shown the red card for elbowing Chris O'Connor. O'Connor didn't lose his cool and in the 85th minute he restored the Irish lead which ultimately won the game. Irish manager Gerry Smith said after the game: "We had noticed Poland's physical capabilities and had warned each of the players that we were not to get involved."
Ireland: Holden, McDonald, J. Kane, Brannigan, Madden, Sheehan, Bruen, Flynn, O'Connor, D. Kane, Canavan. |