IRELAND HAVE FINISHED fourth at the Toulon Tournament after losing 4-3 on penalties to Mexico in the sides’ third-place play-off at the Stade d’Honneur Marcel Roustan in Salon-de-Provence..
For the second time in this year’s competition, Stephen Kenny’s men drew 0-0 with the Central Americans over 90 minutes but they suffered a misfortune during the ensuing shootout when Darragh Leahy’s penalty was saved at the second time of asking.
The Bohs defender was successful with his initial spotter but was ordered to retake it as the referee hadn’t blown his whistle. Mexican goalkeeper Sebastian Jurado, impressive during normal time, kept out the retake, Leahy opting to go the same way after appearing to be taunted by the Veracruz man between the sticks.
Jack Taylor, Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah were successful for Ireland during the shootout but standout performer Connor Ronan missed with the Boys in Green’s first effort.
UCD’s Conor Kearns, who replaced Caoimhín Kelleher after the hour mark, saved Mexico’s third penalty from Erick Aguirre, but ultimately Jesus Angulo kept his cool with their fifth to seal a third-placed finish.
🧤 HUGE save from Kearns here for @FAIreland in the penalty shootout! pic.twitter.com/RDJnTJ2Xu5
— FreeSports 📺 (@FreeSports_TV) June 15, 2019
The preceding 90 or so minutes were largely uneventful. Mexico’s Alan Medina tested both Irish ‘keepers at either end while Brentford’s Canice Carroll came closest for Ireland with an effort from the edge of the area which drifted wide midway through the first half.
Ireland enjoyed plenty of possession but couldn’t quite locate that killer pass.
They were forced to soak up spells of Mexican pressure in the last quarter but did so with aplomb, taking their final fixture of the tournament straight to penalties.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
