National cup

National Stadium
Spectators: 1028 (Terracing: 772, Seating: 236, VIP seats: 20) In the 3rd minute, Rudolf Samsonov ran past the defenders and hit a shot which went straight ahead into goal. Brennan Dunne was frozen by the shot and now it was 0-1. Rudolf Samsonov's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Brennan Dunne read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 9th minute of play. U21 Ireland's Brennan Dunne played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Rudolf Samsonov in the 13th minute of play. U21 Russia's Aleksandr Kusov managed, thanks to a brazen rush, stole the ball on a throw-in made by Danann MaCollin in the 14 minute of the game. The referee blew the whistle for a penalty in the 23rd minute of the game. One of U21 Russia:s players had nearly got his shirt torn off by an opponent while getting free in front of U21 Ireland:s goal. In the 32nd minute Rudolf Samsonov shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Brennan Dunne saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Bardain Kirby recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 35th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. 38 minutes into the match, U21 Russia's goalkeeper Vladislav Brenner had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Bardain Kirby. In the 40th minute, Cormac Martyn hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. U21 Ireland:s Brennan Dunne showed great skill when he stopped Artem Stotskiy:s penalty. Art Robinson fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 48th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Vladislav Brenner having to interfere. After the first half U21 Russia were leading 1-2. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Rudolf Samsonov was the one to do the kick off. Bardain Kirby struck a weak shot in the 52nd minute. Vladislav Brenner didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for U21 Ireland. Vladislav Brenner took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Bivitas Todd, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. In the 56th minute Bivitas Todd shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Vladislav Brenner saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Bivitas Todd in the 59th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Vladislav Brenner saved U21 Russia from getting behind. In the 60th minute, Rudolf Samsonov hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 70th minute, Danila Alyabev hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Vladislav Brenner showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Bardain Kirby in the 74th minute of the match. U21 Ireland's Brennan Dunne played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Rudolf Samsonov in the 79th minute of play. 87 minutes had been played when some careless play by U21 Ireland's defense caused the ball to cross the line for a corner. Artem Stotskiy was slow to take the kick. During this time U21 Russia's players had a chance to rest. The supporters of U21 Ireland booed when U21 Russia was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 87 match minutes in a wonderful position. Rudolf Samsonov didn't get a good kick on the ball. Bivitas Todd received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 90th minute. Vladislav Brenner tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. An unexpectedly hard shot by Bardain Kirby in the 94th minute of play forced U21 Russia's goalkeeper Vladislav Brenner to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 96th minute of the match U21 Ireland got a corner. U21 Russia's goalie ran out to the linesman to protest the call, but the linesman resolutely pointed his flag at the cornerflag. Ravan McBjarton ran over to the corner to take the kick. Ravan McBjarton made a great header on U21 Ireland's corner, it was just that U21 Russia's Vladislav Brenner managed to reach the ball for a save. Jeers came from both ends of the stadium when the final whistle went. Neither team had looked impressive and the draw seeemd a fair result.