Croatia U21s 2-2 Rep of Ireland U21s
The Republic of Ireland Under-21s fashioned two equalisers in Zagreb as Jim Crawford’s side dug out a draw in their friendly against Croatia on Saturday.
Sam Curtis and Sean Grehan were the scorers for the Boys in Green as they cancelled out Luka Vrbancic’s penalty and an own goal either side of half-time at the Gradski Stadion.
The home side took the lead on seven minutes after Rory Finneran – the 18-year-old capped for the seniors against Grenada in May – was deemed to have committed a foul in the box.
Vrbancic converted from the spot. But Ireland were level 12 minutes later after Sheffield United right back Curtis found the net.
The Navan, Co Meath native played a one-two with Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan before unleashing a goal-bound shot.
With 15 minutes to go, Croatia retook the lead after Grehan headed the ball into his own net.
But the ex-Bohemians defender would redeem himself just five minutes later from a corner to ensure the Irish did not leave Zagreb empty handed.
Republic of Ireland U21s: Noah Jauny, Sam Curtis (Darius Lipsiuc, 73′), Oisin Gallagher, Sean Grehan, Cory O’Sullivan, Conor McManus (Sean Keogh, 73’), Rory Finneran (John O’Sullivan, 60’), Jaocb Devaney, Harry Vaughan (Kian McMahon-Brown, 60’), Jamie Mullins, Michael Noonan (Gbemi Arubi, 60’).