Belgium too good for Ireland in U23s clash

Republic of Ireland U23s 1 Belgium U23s 2

David Hubert scored a brilliant stoppage time winner as Belgium stunned a lacklustre Ireland at Dalymount Park to reach the final of the International Challenge Trophy where they'll meet either Italy or England in the spring.

The 19-year-old Belgian skipper struck from 30 yards four minutes into time added on at the finish to give Irish keeper Barry Murphy no chance as the ball flew into the corner of the net.

Needin just a draw to qualify, Shamrock Rovers' right-back Ger O'Brien struck on 80 minutes to appear to rescue a below par Irish display, firing home from ten yards from skipper Paul Keegan's free-kick in to the near post.

Jelle Vossen had given what was a Belgian U20 team the lead on 64 minutes. Ireland lost possession in midfield and Genk striker Vossen then availed of a slip by defender Gavin Peers to skip across keeper Barry Murphy and slide the ball to the net.

A minute earlier Denis Behan had brought a dour game to life when collecting Conor Powell's pass to see his deflected shot come back off a post.

Ireland finished with ten men when defender Conor Kenna was shown a straight red card for a foul on Hubert a minute from time, before the Belgian captain had the last word with his wonder winner.