Irish dejection a sign of how far group has come, notes Crawford
UEFA European Under-21 Qualifiers Group A
Republic of Ireland 2 (Phillips 31, Armstrong 47) Italy 2 (Gnonto 45+1 pen, 90+6)
The Republic of Ireland under-21s experienced the cruelty of international football from a 96th-minute Italian equaliser but Jim Crawford believes the extent of the heartbreak is a marker of his side’s progress.
Wilfried Gnonto’s deflected header robbed the Boys in Green of three thoroughly deserved points at a packed Turner’s Cross that would’ve seen them leap to the top of their European qualifying group.
The Azzurrini hadn’t conceded a goal in their first four games but they were plundered for two by Killian Phillips and Sinclair Armstrong in a brilliantly executed tactical performance.
Each time, however, Leeds United hitman Gnonto levelled, first from a penalty and then that header to leave the 6,157 crowd deflated.
“The boys are on the floor. It's a tough one to take,” said Crawford.
“If you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, the boys are on the floor after drawing 2-2 with Italy who are European giants. That's how far this group have come.
“It is a bitter blow. That is how cruel football can be at times.”
An on-field scuffle after the final whistle left a sour aftertaste, with the referee booking players from both sides.
“These things happen,” said Crawford, who clarified it was sparked by an Italian taunt. “It's an injury-time equaliser and emotions are high. It happened but I don't think it was anything sinister. It was just handbags really.”
The equaliser came 20 seconds beyond the five added minutes that were signalled but the fourth official told Crawford his two stoppage-time substitutions accounted for the extra minute.
The Ireland boss did take issue with a
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