Ireland must beat Scotland to keep hopes alive

Peter Malone’s Ireland U20 side face an onerous task if they are to reach the World Cup final for the second year in a row.

Defeat to Italy in their opening game means Ireland need wins over Scotland (tomorrow, AIA Arena Kutaisi, 10am) and heavyweights New Zealand (next week) to reach the semi-finals.

At the very least a win tomorrow will keep Ireland’s hopes alive of taking the only best runner-up slot in the last four.