Pita grabs winner as Portugal edge it

IRELAND’S U-19 side were unlucky losers to an impressive Portugal in a friendly at Belfield last night.

The Irish had two chances to grab an opening goal within the first 80 seconds but first James McCarthy had a shot deflected wide then James Berrett shot over from close range.

Portugal’s goal came in the 12th minute when Carlos Pita fired home from close range after connecting with a corner by Andrien Silva. Ireland battled hard in the second-half but Portuguese keeper Anthony Lopes kept out efforts by Shane Lowry, Brendan Moloney and Peter McMahon.