Ireland U20s win in UAE

Republic of Ireland 2 Saudi Arabia 1

A brace from Stephen Elliott steered the Republic of Ireland to a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in their first match at the FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

The 19-year-old Manchester City striker netted his first goal in the 18th minute as the Irish aimed to get their Group E campaign off to a winning start.

They were pegged back three minutes into the second half when Eisa Al-Mahyani scored for the Saudis, but Elliott restored Ireland’s advantage with 13 minutes to go and they held on this time.

The Irish, who finished third in this competition in 1997, face the Ivory Coast and Mexico in their remaining group games.