Germany Dents Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for U19 UEFA Final

Republic of Ireland 0 Germany 1

A penalty converted by Hamburg striker Anis Ben-Hatira in the 17th minute proved the difference between the Republic of Ireland and Germany at Dalymount Park.

A solitary goal from nine-man Germany puts them back into contention for topping the group after Ireland couldn’t put away the numerous openings they created in both halves.

A win for Ireland tonight would have seen them progress to the European Championship finals in Austria this July but this defeat means the destiny of the group is no longer in their own hands. Ireland’s qualification hopes rest on them beating Hungary on Saturday in their last game whilst needing Germany to drop points against Bulgaria.

One the group winner will advance to the finals but as Bulgaria proved today when they held Hungary to a 1-1 draw at Belfield, there are no pushovers at this Elite phase of the competition and the group is far from concluded.

Anis Ben Hatira tucked away the decisive goal with a spot-kick past Ireland goalkeeper Stephen Henderson after a trip in the penalty area by Ireland full-back Simon Madden on Sebatstian Tyrala.

Ireland manager Sean McCaffrey restored Keith Treacy to the starting line-up after resting him for Monday’s 3-0 victory over Bulgaria and he had a huge influence on proceedings in the opening 45 minutes.

Ireland responded well to that early set-back and went close to equalising with good strikes by Anthony Stokes and Keith Treacy.

Shane Lowry also had a chance to level up the match on the half hour mark when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box from a corner but the Aston Villa man’s rifling shot struck the post.

With the Irish attacking pairing of Anthony Stokes and Adam Rooney looking lively up front and Keith Treacy providing quality crosses into the penalty area, Sean McCaffrey’s side were certain to press for a goal in the second half.

However, Ireland were dealt a blow at the break when Blackburn Rovers winger Treacy couldn’t continue due to an ankle complaint and substitute Cillian Sheridan replaced him on the flank.

German defender Alexander Eberlein received a red card in the 51st minute when he hauled down Cillian Sheridan as he barged through on goal. Portuguese Referee Paola Tagliavento deemed that the Germany captain committed a professional foul and sent him off.

Sheridan caused the defence endless problems in the second half and his presence allowed space for team-mates Anthony Stokes and Alan Judge to run into and get behind their markers.

Alan Power and substitute Aidan Downes had the best of the opportunities for Ireland in the latter stages but man-of-the-match Martin Maennel in the German goal thwarted all the efforts that came his way.

Match-winner Ben Hatira followed his colleague Eberlein to the dressing-room early when he was collected his second yellow card in stoppage time.

Ireland boss manager Sean McCaffrey was a disappointed man afterwards, saying: "We had 70% of the possession and deserved to win the game. It was never a penalty but we can still qualify. I'd be confident that we can beat Hungary at United Park on Saturday. However, the control of the group is now with Germany and we need Bulgaria to give them a decent test on Saturday".