The expected prolific nature of a Selecção attacker and unexpected prolificacy of a Seleção midfielder make FIFA.com’s latest stats review, along with surprising scorelines in Auckland, Harrison, Montevideo, Sofia and Uyo.
In beating Panama on Friday, Mexico became the fifth side to qualify for Russia 2018.
In beating Panama on Friday, Mexico became the fifth side to qualify for Russia 2018.
FYR Macedonia 0-2 Republic of Ireland
Colin O’Brien’s side produced a strong performance on a dry pitch in warm conditions to give the Irish side excellent preparation for next month’s UEFA U17 Championships Qualifying Round, which takes place in Bulgaria.
Celtic’s Barry Coffey scored a 12th minute opener then won a second half penalty which was converted by Norwich’s Adam Idah.
"We were focusing on performances this week in what we considered to be two strong tests for the players and that’s what we got today,” said O’Brien.
“I am very pleased with how the players executed the game plan so well. We scored a good first goal after excellent build up play and it was similar build-up play which produced the second goal from the penalty spot.
“Playing a game like this on a warm day on a dry pitch will give the players some feel for what we may get in Bulgaria in the qualifiers.
“The players had to understand the whole tactical approach such as when to play and when not to take risks so when we consider aspects such as that we were pleased with the workout overall.”
Coffey found the net after a combination led to Callum Thompson advancing then Tyrek Wright created space for midfielder Coffey to to make a late run through to penetrate the home defence and slot home.
Similar link-up play in the 56th saw Coffey break into the penalty area where he was taken down and Idah put it away. The sides will meet again on Sunday.
Republic of Ireland: Kian Clarke, Max Murphy, Nathan Collins, Oisin McEntee, Cameron Ledwidge, Jason Knight, Callum Thompson (Ciaran Brennan 56), Barry Coffey (Troy Parrott 56), Sean Brennan (Luca Connell 64), Adam Idah, Tyriek Wright (Sean Mahon 64).
Mohan's squad meets the Czech Republic in Waterford on Saturday evening and Monday afternoon and the Irish coach is looking for players to show they can feature in the Qualifying Round in October.
Ireland host the Czechs at the RSC on Saturday (19:45), then the sides will meet again at the same venue two days later (13:00).
In October the South East will host the UEFA U19 Championships Qualifying Round games where Mohan’s squad face Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Serbia.
"We've had two good two sessions so far, one at Waterford and the other at Tramore AFC and the attitude has been spot on," he said.
"In most squads there are injuries and clashes with club commitments but every time one players is unavailable it creates a brilliant opportunity for other players to show they can feature in qualifiers.
"We have some playing games this weekend and will link up with the squad ahead of Monday's game but all of the players who have been here so far have trained very well.
"We're looking for performances from players and the opposition provides the perfect opponent for them to show what their capabilities are.
"The Czechs are a very good side with several players who played in the UEFA U19s finals this year so they are really strong opponents which was what we wanted and its the test we needed ahead of the qualifiers."
Republic of Ireland Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mark Travers (Bournemouth - on Loan to Weymouth), Brian Maher (St Patrick's Athletic)
Defenders: Canice Carroll (Oxford Utd), Tyreke Wilson (Man City), Dara O’Shea (WBA -On Load to Hereford), Lee O’Connor (Manchester Utd), Rian O’Sullivan (Brighton), Warren O’Hora (Bohemians), Callum Mollett (Walsall), Aaron O'Driscoll (Southampton)
Midfielders: Dan McKenna (Wolves), Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers), Jordan Doherty (Sheffield United), Anthony Scully (West Ham Utd), John Martin (Waterford), Conor Coventry (West Ham Utd), Jack Keaney (Sligo Rovers)
Forwards: Aaron Connolly (Brighton), Kian Flanagan (Crystal Palace), Jonathan Afolabi (Southampton), Ryan Graydon (Bohemians), Thomas Byrne (Drogheda Utd), Neil Farrugia (UCD)
Fixtures
Under 19 International Friendly
Saturday, September 2
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, RSC, KO 19:45
Monday, September 4
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, RSC, KO 13:00
The Day of Knowledge on 1 September celebrates the return of children to school in Russia and this year it enjoyed a football-inspired theme this year, with Host Cities dedicating lessons to the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup™.
The Day of Knowledge on 1 September celebrates the return of children to school in Russia and this year it enjoyed a football-inspired theme this year, with Host Cities dedicating lessons to the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup™.
Spain isn't having really strong group to play in, however are drawn with a hell of a opponent Italy and in such situation, they can't be sure of securing the first position and direct placement as long as they don't secure it mathematically. They didn't have many difficult matches so far, starting the qualifiers with five victories and a draw, only drawing coming in away game against Italy back...
Four hat-tricks were scored in less than 24 hours during a frenetic day of FIFA World Cup qualifying. FIFA.com takes a look at the difference-makers behind the trebles.
Four hat-tricks were scored in less than 24 hours during a frenetic day of FIFA World Cup qualifying. FIFA.com takes a look at the difference-makers behind the trebles.
Finland lost all the chances of progressing to the World Cup already long time ago, since the team was drawn in quite difficult group together with Croatia, Iceland, Turkey and Ukraine and they simply couldn't match up against such sides from the first game, being obviously a weaker side as their realistic chance is to end up at fifth position just above Kosovo in the end. However, all they could...
In quite an difficult group, Serbia did well so far having three victories and three draws. It's nothing remarkable, but the teams look very similar in this group as they have Ireland, Wales and Austria as main rivals for the placement to Russia, so such record for now is just fine as the side stands first in the group together with Ireland with twelve points, which is four points more than Wales...
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FIFA.com reviews Japan’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in which the Samurai Blue sandwiched some impressive form alongside a handful of disappointing results.
FIFA.com reviews Japan’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in which the Samurai Blue sandwiched some impressive form alongside a handful of disappointing results.
With the competition now at the quarter-final stage, replays are possible if the fixture is drawn and the dates and kick-off times for those potential replays have also been confirmed.
Three fixtures will take place on Friday, September 8th whilst Longford Town v Cork City will take place a day later on Saturday, September 9th.
Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup quarter-final fixtures
Friday, 8th September: Bluebell United v Shamrock Rovers, Tallaght Stadium, 7.45 pm
(Replay to be played on Monday, 11th September, Tallaght Stadium, 7.45 pm)
Friday, 8th September: Dundalk v Drogheda United, Oriel Park, 7.45 pm
(Replay to be played on Tuesday, 12th September, United Park, 7.45 pm)
Friday, 8th September: Galway United v Limerick, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7.45 pm
(Replay to be played on Monday, 11th September, Markets Field, 7.45pm)
Saturday, 9th September: Longford Town v Cork City, City Calling Stadium, 7.30 pm
(Replay to be played on Tuesday, 12th September, Turner’s Cross, 7.45 pm)
Please note: If the scores are still level after 90 minutes play in the replay match, then extra-time and penalties (if needed) will be played to determine the winners of the tie.
The fallout from the UEFA Women's Championship has seen the likes of winners Netherlands, Austria and England all reach their highest-ever FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's Ranking positions, with the latter stepping onto the podium.
