Timely Greece take their chance
Saturday, March 15, 2008
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Republic of Ireland 1-2 Greece
Substiute Apostolos Belios struck with four minutes remaining to give Greece a great chance of reaching their first U17 finals.
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Late winner
An injury-time equaliser on Thursday gave Greece a 1-1 with Portugal to match group hosts the Republic of Ireland's result against Germany to increase the stakes in Athlone on Matchday 2. Greece took the lead late in the first half when Niklaos Pantidos headed in a floated free-kick, but not long after the break Gavin Gunning turned in a corner from substitute Robert Brady to level. However, Vellios was brought on in the 65th minute and although Ireland had several chances to win the game the replacement pounced to striker the clincher on the rebound after home goalkeeper Ger Hanley kept out a Nikolaos Karelis effort.
Tuesday deciders
Portugal beat Germany in the other match today to move one goal ahead of Greece in the standings. Greece will qualify if they get a better result against Germany on Tuesday than Portugal do against Ireland. The hosts, meanwhile, must beat Portugal by at least two goals and hope Germany beat Greece by no greater a margin.