Ronan Curtis and the Republic of Ireland Under-21s saw their unbeaten run come to an end yesterday evening as they went down 2-1 to Norway in Dremmen.
Derry City attacker Curtis, from St Johnston, played the full game for Noel King’s side, but in the minus three temperatures it was Norway who took the win thanks to a goal in the dying moments.
Ireland went behind thanks to Martin Odegaard’s opener but a brilliant Jake Mulraney effort levelled the tie before the break.
Ireland held out until the final minute of the game but Iver Fossum’s strike won the game for the home side.
“It’s a tough one to take. We’ve worked so hard throughout the entire match and we definitely deserved a point,” King said.
“To lose it in the final minute of the game, it’s always going to hurt but I’m incredibly proud of this great group of players.
“They’ve shown a lot of hunger, desire and passion for the cause tonight in difficult conditions and they should be proud of their efforts.
“That is a good Norway team, full of talent, and over two games, only the final minute of the game separates us.
“The players are down in the dressing room but they want to get into the next game against Azerbaijan next year and get another positive result on the board.
“We’ve had a great start to the campaign so I’m sure we’ll bounce back from this defeat. It’s a long campaign and I believe in this group of players.”
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