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Under-21s draw in Germany

Tuesday 21st August 2007, 7:16 pm

Ireland and Germany played out a 2-2 draw in tonight's under-21 friendly international in Furth. Stephen Gleeson scored both Irish goals but an Andreas Beck equaliser five minutes from the end denied Ireland the win.

Germany started better and after Rouwen Hennings had flicked a header just past the target, the same player put the home side ahead on 18 minutes. Hennings pounced to tap the ball home after goalkeeper Darren Randolph could only parry the initial shot from Dennis Aogo.

Ireland were far from overrun though and although he has been capped twice by the senior side, Gleeson marked his under-21 debut with two goals. His first levelled the game up on 39 minutes as he stole possession and ran on to fire past German keeper Manuel Neuer.

Germany were better after the break and Stephan Furstner went dangerously close for the home side just after the hour. However, it would be Ireland who would score next with Gleeson grabbing his second to put the visitors ahead.

Billy Clarke and Eddie Nolan combined down the wing before playing in Gleeson and he made no mistake to make it 2-1 on 64 minutes.

Just as it looked as if Ireland would claim a famous win at this level, Andres Beck headed home with just over five minutes remaining on the clock.

Ireland will now head into competitive games next month which begin at Turner's Cross against Portugal on 7th September.

Germany : Neuer (Fromlowitz 46), Beck, Boenisch (Marin 63), Schonheim (Flessers 63), Schwaab, Judt (Bieler 46), Aogo, Kruska, Ede (Grote 55), Dejagah (Furstner 46), Hennings.
Ireland : Randolph, Kane (Nolan 46), Keogh, O'Dea, O'Halloran, Gleeson, Cregg (Powell 69), Quinn (Collins 46), O'Brien (Kelly 75), Rooney, Clarke (McFaul 69).