Ireland lose on penalties to Japan

The republic of Ireland U17s lost 4-2 on penalties to Japan in the third-placed play-off of the Toyota International Youth tournament in Japan yesterday.

Ireland came from behind twice to draw 2-2, but suffered cruel luck in penalties as they missed their final two kicks to finish fourth in the tournament.

To rub salt into the wounds, Korea - who beat Ireland courtesy of a dubious penalty in the final group game - won the tournament overall, beating Holland 3-2 in the final.