The Republic of Ireland started their FIFA World Cup U17 campaign with an excellent win over Panama in Group J. Tougher tests lie in wait for Colin O’Brien’s side but this game was put to bed early.
Panama coming into this tournament very much in the unknown category. Their qualification to the tournament was comfortable wins against Aruba and Grenada. Respect given from Ireland but from the early exchanges, there was a clear gulf in class between the two sides.
Both sides feeling each other out in the opening ten minutes but then the Republic of Ireland started to dominate. Rory Finneran a prominent performer setting up Jaden Umeh to score. Panama heads starting to drop early after only seventeen minutes.
Ireland unfortunate not to extend their lead four minutes later. A Vinnie Leonard long pass was flicked on by the excellent Michael Noonan. Jaden Umeh unable to divert the ball into the net.
There were pockets of resistance from Panama. Moises Richards was giving Ade Solanke a good test down the flank. Richards direct attacking style and pace was the primary Panama attacking platform. Half chances created but good defensive cover tackles and Alex Noonan goalkeeping enough to deny the threat.
Given the dominance and chances created by the Republic of Ireland, a second goal was required in the sweltering heat. It duly arrived just before the break. Nice setup play allowing Kian McMahon-Brown to slot a low effort past Panama keeper Aparicio. It was no more than Ireland deserved.
Michael Noonan and Jaden Umeh’s movement and pace causing Panama defensive headaches. If you were critical, the score flattered Panama at half-time. A third goal was required from Ireland to close out the contest.
It arrived early upon the restart which saw Panama enjoyed good moments. The best goal of the game from the Republic of Ireland. Rory Finneran with a powerful run from deep. His pass to Jaden Umeh creating the flank overlap. Ade Solanke’s cross was gorgeous. Michael Noonan’s header from close range emphatic on fifty-eight minutes.
Three nil suddenly turned to four three minutes later. A lesson in not giving up on a play. Kovalevskis dogged determination winning a 50/50 duel just inside the penalty area. Excellent composure from Kovalevskis to slot the ball past a beleaguered Panama defensive rearguard.
The fourth goal was the cue for the Republic of Ireland management to freshen the side up. A prudent move given that temperatures were hovering around twenty-eight degrees Celsius. An opportunity for the bench to make an impact.
Ireland continued to create chances. Noonan and Umeh will rue several chances in the second half. It was too easy at times as Panama’s defensive shape in transition was poor. Uzbekistan and Paraguay will pose stiffer challenges.
Panama though continued to battle to the final whistle. They had a penalty shoot overturned by video review but their persistence was rewarded late. Pacheco setting up Cedeño to score from close range. Ireland defensively vulnerable on the flank yet again. A focus area for Ireland ahead of the weekend.
The opening pool game is all about securing three points. There is more performance levels for this Ireland side in terms of possession, passing accuracy and prevent opposition chances. A nice win and introduction to the tournament. Ireland are up and running.
Uzbekistan will deserve significant respect. A side who accounted for England in the last World Cup. The current Asian championship at this age group. Abdumuminov was on a different level in the Uzbek’s opening group win over Paraguay. Saturday will decide who tops Group J.
Republic of Ireland (4-3-3): Alex Noonan; Oisin McDonagh, Vinnie Leonard, Ryan Butler, Ade Solanke; Rory Finneran, Kian McMahon-Brown, Ramon Martos; Michael Noonan, Jaden Umeh, Max Kovalevskis.
Panama (4-2-3-1): Adamir Aparicio; Anthony Ramos, Joseph Pacheco, Shayron Stewart, Hector Brias; Pablo Aranda, Estevis Lopez, Gerson Gordon, Jossimar Isturain, Edgardo Tovares, Moises Richards.