It is the first time in 14 years the Under-21s have played in Cork*with Jim Crawford’s team using the friendly as preparation for their upcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualification campaign.
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Their first game of 2023 will see a new generation of Under-21s head to Cork in their first game on Irish soil since almost 7,000 fans packed into Tallaght Stadium for the play-offs with Israel in September.
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Turner’s Cross has long been a host to the Under-21s with Ireland facing some of Europe’s heavyweights such as Germany, England, France and Portugal. Ticket details for the game will be release in due course.
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This Thursday, Crawford will discover who his U-21s will face in qualification when the draw is made in Nyon, Switzerland. Ireland U21s’ run to a first ever play-off saw them rise to an all-time high place of 19th in the UEFA rankings*
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Republic of Ireland Under-21s Head Coach Jim Crawford said: “I’m really excited to be bringing a team to Cork and showing our fans the talent that Irish football has to offer.
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“When you see how much the Cork public came out to watch other Irish international sides and their hometown club Cork City you can’t help but be enticed to play a game in what is great city.
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“We had some amazing games in Tallaght Stadium and the fans in Dublin really got behind us and I have every hope those in Cork and beyond will do just the same.
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“Iceland will be a tough opponent and like ourselves reached the play-offs in the last campaign. It’s the reason I wanted test ourselves against such quality players and it will make for a fascinating game.”
Match Details
Fixture: Ireland U21s v Iceland U21s
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Turner’s Cross, Cork
Date: Sunday, March 26
Kick-off: TBC
TV: TBC
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Tickets: Ticket information will be released in due course.
Last 3 meetings
15.11.20 | Ireland 1-2 Iceland, *UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier
15.10.19 | Iceland 1-0 Ireland, Reykavik, UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier
22.03.18 | Ireland 3-1 Iceland, International Friendly
Fact
In the last friendly meeting between the nations in 2018, Rory Hale, then of Derry City gave Ireland the lead after just 14 seconds. Ireland won the game in Tallaght Stadium 3-1.



Ireland Category:
Under 21 Mens


Choose Site:
Ireland


Introduction:
Republic of Ireland Under-21s will take on Iceland in a friendly at Turner’s Cross, Cork on Sunday, March 26 – it has been confirmed.




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