IRELAND U21S LOST 3-1 away to Slovenia in today’s Uefa Championships Qualifying Round match.
Miha Zajc’s corner was slotted home by Luka Krajnc after 13 minutes to give the hosts the lead.
Slovenia then doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half, when Reading’s Sean Long conceded a penalty, which Gregor Bajde converted.
Ireland then reduced the deficit when 20-year-old Oxford starlet Callum O’Dowda’s low shot found the back of the net on 65 minutes.
However, Zajc then ended the game as a contest, as his powerful free-kick beat Bury’s on-loan Man City youngster Ian Lawlor.
Today’s defeat coupled with the loss to Italy at Waterford’s RSC on Thursday evening means Noel King’s side’s qualification hopes now look all but over.
With three matches remaining, the Boys in Green need to win every game and hope other results go their way to have any chance of progression.
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