Arsenidis snatches dramatic draw against Ireland in Euro opener
UEFA U17 EURO 2019 - GROUP STAGE (GROUP A, MD 1)
| Ireland U17s | 1 - 1 | Greece U17s |
|---|---|---|
| Everitt 58' | Arsenidis 90'+6' |
It seemed Greece were heading to an opening day defeat against the Republic of Ireland in the first match of the 2019 UEFA European U17 Championship, but Dimitris Arsenidis snatched a dramatic 1:1 draw in the dying moments.
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After falling behind in the 58th minute, Greece appeared to be on their way to a disappointing defeat against the tournament hosts in Group A, but Arsenidis took advantage of a late Irish defensive lapse to salvage a potentially crucial point. Belgium and the Czech Republic - the remaining two teams in the group - also drew 1:1.
Greece U17’s next game at the competition will take place on Monday against Belgium.
THE MATCH
Ireland had the advantage during the first half. Buoyed by the home crowd, the hosts created a few promising opportunities, with Charlie McCann blasting a drive inches over the crossbar in the opening stages and the same player then seeing a dangerous drive deflected off target.
The Greek defence was holding firm, but Ireland eventually broke through 13 minutes after the break. With a goalmouth scramble erupting after a corner, no Greek defender could clear the ball, and Matt Everitt gleefully tapped it over the line to give the Irish their craved lead.
Greece were struggling to create major chances on a regular basis, but with the game entering its last minute of stoppage time, the visitors snatched a dramatic equaliser at the Tallaght Stadium.
When attempting a clearance, Irish defender Sean McEvoy could only find the lurking Arsenidis, who duly beat the opposing goalkeeper from close range.
TEAMS
Ireland: Bazunu, McEvoy, Furlong, Sobowale (MacNulty 66’), Omobamidele, Hodge, Everitt (Kennedy 90’), Keogh, Carty, McCann (Mckinley 80’), Ebosele.
Greece: Tzolakis, Tsavos, Panagiotou (Arsenidis 84’), Siatounis (Liatsos 66’), Karamperis, Tzolis, Sourlis (Belevonis 85’), Karakoutis (Kotopoulos 73’), Aventisian, Pavlidis, Grosdis.
Group A Standings
Belgium 1 pt (1:1)
Czech Republic 1 pt (1:1)
Greece 1 pt (1:1)
Ireland 1 pt (1:1)
