Mohan on high after Euro rout
Republic of Ireland Romania
0 5 IRELAND have made a sensational start to their Under-19 European Championship Elite Round campaign.
Tom Mohan’s charges smashed Romania in their opening game in Krasnodar, Russia yesterday.
They now face
Azerbaijan on Saturday and Russia on Tuesday with only the group winners qualifying for this summer’s Euro finals in Armenia.
Southampton duo Jonathan Afolabi and Will Smallbone scored a brace apiece while Romania scored an own goal to complete the romp.
Ireland were 2-0 up after 11-minutes and goalkeeper Brian Maher also saved a penalty with 20 minutes to go.
Ireland boss Tom Mohan (right) said: “We were clinical with our chances early on.
It was a very mature performance from the team.
“Romania weren’t as easy opponents as the 5-0 scoreline suggests. They were very difficult to play against.”
Sizing up Saturday’s crucial clash with Azerbaijan (9am Irish time), Mohan added: “We have to park this game and focus on Azerbaijan.
“It’s a big game for us. We can build on this performance but there are areas to improve on.” EUROS ELITE GROUP 5 P W D L +/- Pts 1 1 0 0 5 3 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 -5 0 R of Ireland Azerbaijan Russia Romania