LIVE: Republic of Ireland 1 v 0 Madeira
Kevin Doyle has given Ireland a 23rd minute lead in their clash with a Madeira selection in the Under 21 Madeira International Tournament.
The Cork City front man finished confidently with a powerful left foot drive from a tight angle after been put clean through by Liam Kearney to give Ireland a deserved lead in a game that they have totally dominated.
Ireland's midfield of Willo Flood, Glenn Whelan, Paul Keegan and Liam Kearney is in complete command and regularly finding gaps in the Madeira back line, though so far, the hosts defence is stretched but coping with defender Ruben Rodrigues making several important interceptions.
Madeira too have been forced to concede a lot of free kicks in their own half as defenders lunge into rash challenges though, apart from a Whelan free kick that was punched to safety by Adriano Costa, Ireland have yet to make anything of their set-pieces.
Before Doyle's opening goal, Ireland's best opportunity was a Stephen Kelly cross-shot that few across the six-yard box after Flood's insightful pass had put him through on goal.
The hosts have not threatened so far, though with their attack minded 4-3-3 system, they will not be content to sit back and defend.
Ireland are currently level on points with Portugal who face Italy today at 12:15 and manager Don Givens believes that a victory over Madeira will put sufficient pressure on Portugal to also beat an Italian side determined not to finish the tournament with the wooden spoon.
The boys are doing us proud!!!!