It should have been a routine win for Spain.
Northern Ireland’s under 21s shocked the football world tonight, pulling off a surprise victory over Spain at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte in Albacete.
Nobody would have given Northern Ireland a chance in this fixture, given some of the talent in Spain’s squad – their starting XI featured Valencia’s highly rated midfielder Carlos Soler, Real Madrid’s Borja Mayoral and Villarreal’s exciting number 10, Pablo Fornals.
But the hosts were not intimidated by Spain’s squad, as they took an early lead through Shayne Lavery in the fourth minute before doubling their advantage with a penalty from Liam Donnelly in the eighth minute.
On his record breaking 22nd U21 appearance, Liam Donnelly puts us TWO up against Spain! 😍 #GAWA pic.twitter.com/KrvmNt7Y4J
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) September 11, 2018
They then held on to their lead, keeping the Spaniards until injury time, when Rafa Mir scored a consolation goal for the hosts.
They’ve done it!! Our Under-21s beat Spain 2-1!! # pic.twitter.com/9jwQhaequz
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) September 11, 2018
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland’s U21 team lost 6-0 to Germany at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.
FT: #IRLU21🇮🇪 0-6 Germany.
A difficult night at Tallaght Stadium as Germany score six, including three penalties, to secure comfortable victory. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/hDnvMNaE6h
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) September 11, 2018
