u16s bow out of Europe - November 1, 2000
Ireland u16 0 Spain u16 2 Ireland's u16s failed in their bid to qualify for the European Championship finals when they went down to Spain in the mini-tournament in Riga yesterday. A 0-0 draw against the hosts, Latvia, on Friday left Brian Kerr's team needing to beat the Spanish - 1-0 conquerors of the Latvians in their first game - to book a place in the finals in England. But a Spanish goal early in the second half left Ireland chasing the game. Stephen Bradley had a shot blocked and Robbie Shields of Leeds - singled out by Kerr as Ireland's best player - drew a great save from the Spanish 'keeper before Ireland conceded a second, crucial goal. "We did not play too badly, but we didn't really do enough in midfield to win the game," Brian Kerr said. "The early goal in the second half put us under enormous pressure. But our lads had one or two chances."
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