King’s men go down fighting

Germany U21

2

Ireland U21

0 NOEL KING insists his Ireland U21 players can hold their heads high after finishing third in their European Championship group following defeat to Germany last night .

King gave League of Ireland gems Ronan Hale and Jamie Mcgrath their first starts and the latter almost created an opener after just eight minutes.

The Dundalk attacker found Josh Cullen in a central position and the Irish captain’s low effort was parried away by keeper Moritz Nicolas.

Huddersfield Town’s Abdelhamid Sabiri hit the bar with an effort from 30 yards before his side took the lead with the very next attack.

Marcel Hartel beat two defenders before releasing the ball to Ochs and he saw his low cross tapped home by Jani Serra five yards out.

It was 2-0 in the 39th minute as Levin Oztunali’s left foot shot from just outside the area found the top corner.

Ireland were much improved after the break and Corey Whelan then Ryan Delaney came close to scoring but the home side held firm.

King said: “This Germany side were the best I’ve come up against in my eight years in charge. Our lads defended well and nearly hit them on the counter.

“It was really encouraging performance for the future.”