The Republic of Ireland kept their European Under-21 Championship play-off hopes alive with a chaotic 4-3 victory over Kazakhstan at Turner’s Cross, secured by an 86th-minute penalty from Tommy Lonergan. Jim Crawford’s side claimed second place in Group B ahead of Slovakia with the win, though qualification still hinges on their final fixture against England or an upcoming result from Andorra.
Wild Seven-Goal Thriller at Turner’s Cross
Playing amidst yellow-warning wind and rain showers in Cork, Ireland fell behind almost immediately. Kazakhstan striker Artyom Litosh needed just 12 seconds to break the deadlock, collecting Yan Trufanov’s flick-on, turning past Cathal McCarthy and Rory Finneran, and firing a shot past Noah Jauny.
Ireland responded within ninety seconds. Jamie Mullins whipped in a low corner that found Alex Murphy, whose precise instep volley guided the ball inside the near post for his first goal at U-21 level. Within eight minutes, the hosts surged ahead when Trent Kone-Doherty’s link-up play allowed Lonergan to drive toward goal. Goalkeeper Sherhan Kalmurza rushed out, but the ball ricocheted off the striker into Mullins’ path, allowing the Wycombe Wanderers midfielder to tuck away his third goal of the qualifying campaign.
Kazakhstan Fights Back Before Half-Time
Just as they did against England days earlier, Kazakhstan mounted a first-half recovery. Litosh turned provider in the 22nd minute, setting up left-back Ramazan Karimov for a spectacular first-time strike from outside the box that leveled the match at 2-2. Playmaker Miras Omatay nearly put the visitors ahead before the break, striking the goalpost.
The weather conditions eased after the interval, and Ireland capitalized quickly. Just over two minutes into the second half, Mullins swung in another corner that caused confusion in the Kazakh defense, allowing Sam Curtis to head home via a deflection. However, defensive lapses struck again when Sagi Malikaidar’s long throw bounced inside the box, allowing Kazakhstan captain Sultan Askarov to equalize at 3-3 in the 52nd minute. Mullins then struck the crossbar with a header from an Adam Brennan cross.
Late Penalty Decides the Group B Encounter
Crawford introduced attacking substitutions as the game wore on, pushing bodies forward. In the 72nd minute, Kone-Doherty manufactured a major penalty shout when Kalmurza slid in to challenge him, but referee Loic Thomas of Luxembourg instead booked the Molde attacker for diving after a moment’s hesitation.
Kalmurza subsequently denied Kone-Doherty twice, with Murphy turning the resulting rebound onto the post. The decisive breakthrough arrived when Lonergan was brought down in the box. Despite Kalmurza getting a hand to the ball, the referee pointed to the spot, and the Waterford marksman chipped down the middle for the 86th-minute winner. Kazakhstan finished the match with 10 men after Litosh received a second yellow card in the 95th minute for an off-the-ball incident.
Group B Standings and Qualification Scenarios
The victory lifts Jim Crawford’s squad above Slovakia into second place in Group B, though Ireland have played an extra game. Ireland now require either a victory against group leaders England or dropped points by Slovakia against Andorra to secure a play-off berth. Slovakia faces Lee Carsley’s English side on Friday ahead of the final round of fixtures on October 6.
Match Details and Lineups
Referee: Loic Thomas (Luxembourg)
Frequently Asked Questions About the European U-21 Championship Qualifiers
What does this win mean for Ireland’s play-off chances?
The victory moves Ireland into second place in Group B ahead of Slovakia. To reach the play-offs, Ireland must either beat England or rely on Andorra to take points off Slovakia in their remaining fixtures.
Who scored Ireland’s goals against Kazakhstan?
Alex Murphy, Jamie Mullins, Sam Curtis, and Tommy Lonergan (from the penalty spot) scored the goals in Ireland’s 4-3 victory at Turner’s Cross.
When is the final round of qualifying matches?
The final round of Group B qualifying matches concludes on October 6.
Who scored Kazakhstan’s goals?
Artyom Litosh opened the scoring after just 12 seconds, Ramazan Karimov added a second before half-time, and captain Sultan Askarov scored the third following a long throw.