Late Norway equaliser leaves Ireland sweating on Under-21 Euros spot

Press Association

The Republic of Ireland missed the chance to secure at least a play-off berth in the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers as Norway snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw in Cork.

A 75th-minute strike from Sean Roughan in Friday’s encounter at Turner’s Cross had put the Irish on course for a win that would guarantee a minimum of second place in Group A but Andreas Schjelderup controversially levelled in stoppage time.

Jim Crawford’s team can still claim top spot – and automatic qualification – with victory in their final game away at group leaders Italy on Tuesday but defeat could open the door for Norway to leapfrog them.

After a tight first half, Ireland began to take charge after the break when Andrew Moran drew a save from Sander Tangvik.

Roughan broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time when he fired home from Johnny Kenny’s low ball across the face of goal.

Ireland came under considerable pressure as Norway pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages.

The leveller came three minutes into stoppage time as Schjelderup pounced on a rebound after a Thelo Aasgaard shot was blocked, but Ireland protested Anselmo Garcia MacNulty was fouled in the build-up.

The complaints fell on deaf ears and the goal stood, leaving Ireland second in the group, three points behind Italy and two ahead of Norway.