Whelan the hero as Clonmel youngsters advance to last 16

IRELAND’S Clonmel Town are through to the last 16 of the Danone Nations Cup World Finals in Lyon, courtesy of a dramatic 1-0 win over Canada in their final group game.

The U12’s from Tipp, who are representing Ireland, got their tournament off to a great start yesterday, holding group favourites Holland to a scoreless draw, and winning the penalty shoot-out 7-6.

Ireland only had two real chances, both falling to captain Aidan McGrath, while at the other end Harry Murphy in particular worked tirelessly to shut out every Dutch attack.

But everything came unstuck in their second tie yesterday, against the groups surprise package Indonesia. Playing in sweltering 36 degree heat, Ireland looked tired from kick-off and their slowness to react allowed Indonesia grab an early goal.

When the Indonesians grabbed a second after five minutes, the floodgates opened as the Clonmel lads wilted in the heat, eventually losing 6-0.

That meant a do-or-die clash with Canada for the second successive year. Great credit is due to the youngsters resilience for eking out a victory after the Indonesian reverse.

Cian Mackey replaced Evan Comerford between the posts, and produced a man of the match performance in his first start. For the first time in the three games, Aidan McGrath and Levi Whelan started to push forward much more, and it was McGrath who was hauled down in box for the decisive penalty. Levi Whelan calmly converted.

Indonesia qualified top of the group, with an impressive record of 14 goals scored, and none conceded. Ireland went through second, with the Dutch and Canada left playing for ranking positions.

Ireland now face Bulgaria in today’s quarter-final. Bulgaria qualified top of their group courtesy of wins over Mexico and Algeria.