Ireland’s U21s were defeated by Mexico by 4-3 on penalties to finish fourth in this year’s Toulon Tournament following a goalless draw in normal time.

Kenny rung the changes for Ireland’s second game against Mexico in this year’s competition with the likes of Canice Carroll, Tyreke Wilson and Aaron Drinan getting their first starts.

When the pair met in the group stages neither managed to find the elusive breakthrough and their second meeting began in similar style with Ireland having a lot of good possession but little coming by way of clear cut chances.

Carroll looked lively in the midfield and the Brentford man had a couple of half chances in the first half as he saw a strike fizz wide as well as a strong header deflect away for a corner kick.

It was a case of set-pieces where Ireland did look likely to find the breakthrough, Sheffield United’s Stephen Mallon and St Pats’ Jamie Lennon providing some excellent deliveries from the wide area.

Manchester City’s Tyreke Wilson tested the Mexican keeper with a free-kick from 25-yards out but both sides went into the break scoreless.

After the break, the game continued in the tight fashion from the first 45, with neither keeper being called into action as both sides cancelled one another out.

Stephen Kenny brought the always lively Aaron Connolly on as well as Bohemians left-back Darragh Leahy as they looked to make the all-important breakthrough.

It was Mexico though who began to look threatening, a header from a corner flying just over and Alan Medina testing UCD keeper Conor Kearns who was introduced as a substitute.

Ireland found themselves defending more in the last 20 minutes of the game but they stayed firm and the game ended 0-0 meaning penalty kicks were required to decide third place.

Kenny’s men won the toss as Wolves’ Connor Ronan, another second-half substitute stepped up but found his effort saved by the Mexican keeper before Aguirre slotted home to give Ireland’s opponents the advantage.

Jack Taylor then scored as Mexico answered once again to keep their lead in the shootout.

Connolly’s effort then snuck past the Mexican keeper before Conor Kearns made a huge save to level things up as the pressure suddenly switched to their opponents.

🧤 HUGE save from Kearns here for @FAIreland in the penalty shootout! pic.twitter.com/RDJnTJ2Xu5 — FreeSports 📺 (@FreeSports_TV) June 15, 2019

Adam Idah and Mexico’s Calderon both scored to leave it at 3-3 as Bohemians’ Darragh Leahy stepped up and had his penalty saved, after initially being made retake it, before their opponents scored to clinch third spot.

Read More About: Ireland U21s, Top Story, Toulon Tournament