Joy at last for Ireland

UEFA Regions' Cup finalists Vasca lost against the Republic of Ireland in their concluding group stage encounter, as the Irish dominated in Brzesko.

Full squad
However, coach José Antonio Goikoetxea had reason to be pleased after the end of their final Group B game as none of his seven booked players picked up a second yellow card of the tournament, leaving him with a full squad to pick from in Saturday's final against South-West Region-Sofia in Proszowice.

Early lead
Vasca took the lead after just eight minutes as a corner-kick fell kindly for Xabat Goti who finished confidently, but that was the cue for Gerry Smith's side to take the game by the scruff of the neck and they were back on level terms just six minutes later as Ian Callaghan masterminded an excellent move.

Ireland rampant
The midfield player speeded down the right as Vasca were caught with only two men in defence. Callaghan delivered the ball into the box and Eamon Lynch struck a fine half-volley to beat the goalkeeper and bring his side back to level terms. They took the lead three minutes before half-time as Lynch's free-kick from the right found defender James Walsh in the box. He made no mistake with his headed finish.

Two for Lynch
By this time, the Irish were firmly in command, and they made certain of their first win in Malopolska as they scored a third goal after 58 minutes. Callaghan was the provider again, delivering a neat ball through as the Spanish representatives found themselves short-staffed in defence. Lynch latched on to it and dispatched it into the net for his second of the game.

Third place
While the teams tired late on, the Irish never relinquished control, but the win could not lift them into the runners-up spot in the group, as Kahovka-Kzeso won 3-1 against Dacia in their final game. The Ukrainians finished level with Vasca on six points, losing out on a place in the final because of a defeat against the Basques in their opening game.