Josh Cullen and Gavin McAteer both started as Ireland Men’s Under-17s were on the end of a 4-1 defeat to Norway Under-18s in Croatia on Wednesday June 4th. Cullen, making his Ireland MU17 debut, played the entire game while McAteer played the first half.
In the first of their World Cup preparation friendlies Colin O’Brien’s team faced a stern test against the Norwegians who proved to be too strong for the young Irish side.
Despite this, Ireland had held the Norwegians to a solitary goal until the break before making numerous changes at half-time to utilise the squad.
One of those changes netted the equaliser. Benfica’s Jaden Umeh produced an acrobatic finish to bring the game to 1-1 as Ireland got a foothold back into the game.
But a minute later Norway restored their lead going 2-1 in front and didn’t look back. They went 3-1 ahead 10 minutes later before sealing the game in the final minute.
Ireland are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they face Türkiye.
Ireland: A. Noonan, Cullen, Leonard (Gabbidon, 75’), Sherlock (Butler, 65’), Finneran (C) (McDonagh, 46’), McMahon Brown (Sullivan, 65’), McAteer (Hayes, 46’), Ozhianvuna (Dunne, 65’), Lee (Kovalevskis, 46’), Tollett (Umeh, 46’), M.Noonan (Akinrintoyo, 46’).
Norway: Myklebust, Granli, Eckbo, Svenningsen, Sandrød, Holmen (C), Skaarud, Skistad, Aasen, Spitten, Gausdal. Substitutes: Klausen, Volden, Granheim, Haugen, Laegreid, Eikrem, Olderheim, Waehler.
Referee: Nino Vugrinec (Croatia)