Late Greece goals down Ireland

UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 3 hosts Greece made a winning start to their campaign against the Republic of Ireland in Patras.

Greece have not qualified for the finals since the old U16 tournament was reclassified in 2001/02, but two second-half goals from Georgios Katidis set them on their way to victory. Dimitrios Dimanatakos sealed the win late on.

The home side most of the possession before the break without creating clear-cut chances, while at the other end David Purdy's shot from outside the box was tipped away by goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino. Greece seized the initiative after the interval, Diamantakos twice going close and Nikolaos Kousidis shooting over.

On 57 minutes Greece were ahead when a pinpoint Spyridon Fourlanos cross was headed home by Katidis. The goal energised the hosts and it was nearly 2-0 when Fotios Kaimakoudis's close-range tap was cleared off the line by Derrick Williams. With ten minutes left Katidis turned in a Kaimakoudis ball from the left and just before the end Dimanatakos finished after a goalmouth scramble.

Ireland manager Sean McCaffrey said: "Today's performance was disappointing. We played poorly and with little energy. Despite loads of effort and industry, we lacked sparkle. I think the heat might have been a factor in the defeat and Greece were strong after gelling together as a team over the past month together. It was our worst performance this season, I know we can do better. The players have what it takes and are good enough to do better in the next two matches. There is still a lot of football to be played over the coming days and we have to focus on the next game and look towards beating Finland on Sunday." That day Greece play Austria, who drew 3-3 with Finland.