Saudi Arabia 1 Rep of Ireland 2
Stephen Elliot overcame a pre-match injury scare to score both goals in the Republic of Ireland's opening Group E game at the World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates today.
The Manchester City striker had an x-ray on an injured foot on Thursday, sparking fears of a stress fracture but he was subsequently cleared to play today and proved the crucial difference at the Sheikh Khalifa stadium in Al-Ain.
Despite Saudi Arabia starting well and dominating possession in the opening minutes, it was Gerry Smith's men who took the lead after 18 minutes.
David Bell and Jonathon Daly combined well to set Willo Flood free down the right flank. He supplied a superb cross for his clubmate Elliot who duly dispatched to the back of the Saudi net.
The Republic held that lead at the break but their opponents equalised just four minutes after the restart. Captain Abdullah Al Dosari played a cutting ball through the Irish defence which Eisa Al Mahyani pounced on to beat Wayne Henderson.
Elliot came close to reestablishing the lead after 72 minutes but his effort, following fine work down the wing from Bray Wanderers substitute Eamon Zayed, was well saved by Saudi goalkeeper Assaf Al Qarni.
But Elliot was not to be denied his second and he put the Republic ahead four minutes later. Bell played in Graham Ward and his pin-point cross was met by Elliot who headed past Al Qarni to seal the win.
Mexico play the Ivory Coast later today in the other Group E game. The Republic meet the Ivory Coast in their next game on Tuesday.