Norwood double denies Russia
Friday, May 21, 2010
Article summary
Russia 2-2 Northern Ireland
Oliver Norwood was the hero for Nothern Ireland, scoring twice late on as Steve Beaglehole's side rescued a point from their elite round opener.
Article top media content
Article body
A late double from Oliver Norwood rescued Northern Ireland an unlikely point against Russia from their UEFA European Under-19 Championship elite round Group 5 opener.
The Manchester United FC forward struck on 82 and 90 minutes, cancelling out Alan Gatagov's first-half effort and one from Aleksandr Kokorin four minutes after the break. The result leaves the teams two points behind Italy, 2-0 victors over the Czech Republic, going into Sunday's second round of matches.
Gatagov's long-range effort in the 17th minute was suitable reward for a dominant Russian performance in the opening period. The scorer, together with Pavel Yakovlev and Georgi Schennikov on the left, were causing Northern Ireland all manner of problems. Such enterprise soon told again, Russia doubling their lead when Kokorin received a diagonal pass from Viktor Svezhov, advanced into the penalty area and fired past Conor Devlin.
Northern Ireland gradually mounted a response, finding a way back into the match courtesy of a direct free-kick from Norwood. With time ebbing away, the same player dealt Russia a morale blow ahead of their next match against the Czech Republic, and sparked delight on the Northern Ireland touchline, by turning in Jonathan Breeze's left-wing delivery.
