Ireland 7-0 Greece
In a torrential downpour, Ireland competently put Greece to the sword at Zocalo. Both teams struggled with the slippery conditions however Ireland's class began to show early on.
Goalkeeper Jordan O'Reilly’s distribution again was impeccable and from a move that involved all players, Ken Kinsella struck from his favourite left wing after an incisive pass from Anthony Madden.
Kinsella added a second from a penalty and Greece's fate was sealed when Madden scored a brace. Daniel Moore wrapped up the scoring in the first half. The second half saw Ireland contain Greece and played the conditions well. O'Reilly saved well from a penalty before well taken goals from Gavin Dowling and Eddie Madigan eased Ireland through with eyes fixed firmly on top spot and a showdown this afternoon with Romania
Romania 5-10 Ireland
Ireland started well on slippery surface dictating play and peppering the Romanian goal with volley of shots. The Romanians looked dangerous on the break and O'Reilly had to save smartly a couple times. Romania broke the deadlock with well taken goal and Ireland knew they were in a game. They met the challenge head on and replied with a couple from Dowling who just owned the pitch.
Kinsella chipped in with a couple of classy goals from his now trade mark left flank. Romania had pulled the score back to 3-2, Dowling was appearing everywhere like a man possessed but always in control. He scored a magnificent solo effort leaving three Romanians on the deck. He scored his fourth after the Romanians had pulled another back to leave the score 6-3 at the break.
The second half saw Ireland continue with a confidence and Tomas Dinan slotted home nicely before Romania scored two quick goals to let everyone know they were still a threat. Dowling appeared to takeoffence to this and again went on the attack scoring his fifth and sixth to give Ireland a comfortable finish to the game. Some encouraging things to observe is the confidence and combination play throughout the team.
O'Reilly played like a quarterback while Ed Madigan’s ability to hold off tackles and link the play is superb. Ireland go forward to the draw as group winners and although there will be tougher challenges ahead the skill determination and temperament they have shown so far means they need fear no-one