Israel U21 vs Republic of Ireland U21

The Republic of Ireland U21s have seen their bid at history end in heartbreak after missing out on the European Championships following a penalty shootout.

Wright was next up but Israel goalkeeper Peretz saved a poor effort easily before stepping up himself and firing past Maher. However Dawson Devoy made it three misses in a row for Ireland when Peretz saved again. Tierney was hauled down by Shahar as he looked to break for Ireland, with the Israel midfielder handed a yellow card. Andy Lyons next had a shot blocked and after working the ball back towards goal the broke down at Connolly's feet. Azaz then forced a brilliant save after more neat play with Smallbone. Ireland goalkeeper Brian Maher picked up a booking after just eight minutes for handling the ball outside the box as he challenged an onrushing Israeli player.

In extra-time then both teams seemed content enough to sit back collectively and take the penalty shootout. But unfortunately when it arrived the Irish players ...

Aaron Connolly in particular had to plough a lonely furrow. And Evan Ferguson is giving the ankle a go, he comes in for Connolly who put in a hell of a shift as he was largely left alone for the first half in particular Oliie O'Neill on for Smallbone.

It was heartbreak for Ireland U21s as they lost on a penalty shoot out to Isreal in the European Championship play-off in Israel.

But it was a heartbreaking end to a campaign that showed a number of positives for Jim Crawford’s side. With nobody able to find a winner in normal time, a tense extra-time followed. — RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) [September 27, 2022]

Heartbreak for Ireland as they miss out on the Under-21 European Championships after a penalty shootout defeat to Israel in Tel Aviv.

The Republic of Ireland suffer heartbreak on penalties in their European U21 Championship play-off with Israel.

In the second period, Aaron Connolly got his first sight of goal inside the opening 60 seconds but after opening his body up his right-footed strike curled beyond the far stick. With home advantage, Israel took the game to Jim Crawford's side but the visitors defended resolutely in the opening quarter. Penalties were needed and Coventry made no mistake to get Crawford's charges off to a perfect start. However, after Eden Karzev made it one apiece, Wright, Ferguson and Devoy all failed to convert. Substitute Finn Azaz looked lively for the Irish but the game fizzled into extra time. Moments later Ido Shahar skipped inside and fired left-footed but his effort was much more comfortable for Maher.