Madeira 0 Republic of Ireland 4: History was made by the Republic of Ireland yesterday as they claimed their first tournament title at under-21 level by winning the Madeira International Tournament.
A scoreless draw with Portugal and a 1-0 victory over Italy earlier in the week had put Ireland in contention for the title, and a wonderful performance in a 4-0 victory over a Madeira Selection sealed the Ireland team's place in history yesterday.
Before the game, the Irish team knew that they would have to get a better result than Portugal - who faced Italy - in the final day's games and went into the match at the disadvantage of playing first. However, it counted for nothing as Ireland rattled in four goals, while Portugal could only muster two against a plucky Italian side.
Ireland were superb during the game and won thanks to a first-half brace by Kevin Doyle followed by a goal each from Stephen Paisley and Willo Flood in the second half.
Doyle opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when he finished confidently with his left foot from a tight angle after being slipped through by Liam Kearney.
The Corkman doubled Ireland's advantage just after the half-hour with a powerful, near-post header from Flood's cross after a wonderful build-up by Ireland involving six different players.
And it could have been 3-0 at the break had Whelan kept his penalty on target after Mark Yeates had been tripped in the box.
Ireland didn't let up in the second half and made it 3-0 in the 54th minute when Paisley headed home unchallenged Keegan's accurate free kick.
With 11 minutes remaining, Ireland made it 4-0 when Flood raced onto Daryl Murphy's flick before rifling the ball home with a powerful left-foot strike.
Manager Don Givens was delighted by the performance over the course of the tournament.
"It's great for the players," said the under-21's boss. "It's a nice thing to come here and finish top. The boys got what they deserved and they can feel proud of what they achieved.
"The professionalism they have shown in all three games has been exceptional," he added. "There was some provocation in the games and they walked away from it, which can be difficult for young players.
"There's a discipline and professionalism that will stand them in good stead if they can keep going. I think to come here and, in four days, get results against Portugal, Italy and Madeira without conceding a goal is something we have to be pleased with."
MADEIRA: Costa; Goncalves, Silva, Rodrigues (Pestana 66), Patricio; Teixeirinha (Gomes ht), Silva, Micael (Agrela 86); Paulinho (Quaresma ht); Viveiros, Steve (Brito 63).
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Henderson (Aston Villa) (C Doyle, Birmingham, 83); Kelly (Tottenham), Fitzgerald (Blackburn), Cooney (Coventry City), Paisley (Longford Town); Flood (Man City), Keegan (Leeds Utd), Whelan (Man City), Kearney (Cork City) (Deane, Charlton, 81); Doyle (Cork City) (Cogan, Millwall, 73), Yeates (Tottenham) (Murphy, Swansea, half-time).
Referee: L Batista (Portugal)
