Ireland U21s get off to solid start in Madeira
Despite a less than satisfactory build-up to the tournament as the squad was depleted by injuries and players forced out due to club commitments, the side that faced Portugal showed no signs of weakness.
"We could have won the game, we could have lost the game but it was a good, professional disciplined performance," said manager Don Givens.
"When you don't know the players that well, you're a bit wary about what is going to happen but I felt there were some excellent performances.
"I never felt we were going to lose the game and to play Portugal out here and feel that comfortable, it shows how well the boys did."
Wayne Henderson's goal was rarely threatened with Ireland's only sign of weakness coming from set-pieces as Patrick Kohlmann and Willo Flood cleared corners off the line.
However, Givens put this down to the fact that the side had had just one training session together.
John Fitzgerald and Henry McStay were outstanding at the heart of the Irish defence while the midfield of Whelan, Foley and Paul Keegan gave the back four a valuable barrier.
In attack, Mark Yeates and Kevin Doyle made the most of the scraps that came their way, taking the pressure off the defence for long periods and worrying Portugal with their clever runs.
"It was a team effort and I think we played to our strengths," said Givens.
Yeates could have scored a debut goal after just 49 seconds when he charged down an attempted clearance by goalkeeper Bruno Vale only to see the ball drift over the bar.
Foley had an even better chance after 20 minutes when he raced onto a quickly-taken Whelan free kick, only for Vale to pull off a wonderful save.
But Portugal also had their chances with Andre Vilas Boas and Paulo Sergio seeing headers from corners cleared off the line, while Calvino went close late on with a half volley that struck Henderson's crossbar.
Ireland face Italy this afternoon in the second game of the tournament. Italy had two players sent off during their 1-1 draw with a Madeira Islands selection yesterday and Givens believes it will be another difficult game.
"It will be a tough game again, no doubt about it.
"We'll make some changes for it because we have to keep the team fresh."
Vale; Laranjeiro, Castro, Ribeiro, Daniel; Davide (Organista 75), Vilas Boas (Faria ht), Afonso (Calvino 64); Sergio, Edson (Joao Paiva ht), Martinho (Eliseu 69).
Henderson; Kelly, Fitzgerald, Paisley (McStay ht), Kohlmann; Flood (Deane ht), Keegan, Whelan, Foley; Doyle (Murphy 76), Yeates (Bradley 68).
M Trefoloni (Italy).
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