Ireland hold France - April 05, 2000

France u18 0 Ireland u18 0

The Republic of Ireland u18 team have given themselves an excellent chance of qualifying for the European Championship finals after earning a morale-boosting 0-0 draw against France in Brest last night.

Brian Kerr's squad was ravaged with injuries before the showdown, which makes the result all the more impressive.

The French team, rated as th ecountry's best ever at this level, started on the front foot and they tested Irish goalkeeper Joe Murphy in the 18th minute, but the Tranmere No.1 passed his test with flying colours as he easily coped with a shot from Mathis.

Murphy was called into action two minutes later when he reacted well to an acrobatic shot from French captain Ahamada. Murphy's security between the posts inspired the Irish boys and they created one of their best chances minutes later. Brendan McGill raided down the wing before floating a cross into the box. Arsenal's Graham Barrett got to the pitch of the ball but his header went agonisingly over the bar.

France missed an open goal in the 77th minute, which could prove costly over the two legs. Murphy collided with French attacker Cisse and the ball ran free to Fabiano but he fluffed his shot and missed when he should have really scored.

The teams meet again in two weeks' time at Tolka Park and the Irish will be firm favourites to progress to the finals which would be a magnificent achievement for Brian Kerr and his talented squad.