The Val de Marne region east of Paris is the setting for this Quadrangular International Tournament, where this afternoon the Republic of Ireland, managed by Vincent Butler, battled gamely for an opening game 1-1 draw with Portugal.

The technically gifted Portugese dominated the opening half and put Ireland under severe pressure. The Irish defence, marshalled by skipper David Joyce of Castlebar Celtic, stood firm and succeeded in repelling a series of attacking assaults from Portugal throughout the half.

Following the interval, manager Butler introduced James Doyle of Home Farm together with the Belurgan boy Conor McCormack who was returning from his recent injury. Before either substitute could make any real impact on the game, Ireland conceded the opening goal to a fine piece of Portugese play.

Undaunted, Ireland fought their way back into the match with McCormack prominent in the midfield exchanges. With ten minutes of the game remaining, the Irish boys were rewarded for their endeavours when Home Farm starlet Ian Daly collected the ball in a wide position, jinked past three defenders and delivered a teasing cross which Craig Duggan of Kilreen Celtic met with his forehead and deftly beat the goalkeeper for the equaliser.

After the match, manager Vincent Butler said he was very pleased with the fighting display of his young charges. Ireland will next meet host nation France, 2-1 victors over Norway in the other opening tie, in Stade Clerville on Thursday afternoon.

Team
Kevin O'Brien (Douglas Hall)
Mark Nolan (Shelbourne), Paul Honohan (Wilton United), David Joyce (Castlebar Celtic), Daniel Langan (Belvedere)
Dean Marshall (Shelbourne), James O'Brien (Cherry Orchard), Michael Collins (Cherry Orchard), Conor Clifford (Crumlin United)
Ian Daly (Home Farm), Craig Duggan (Kilreen Celtic).

Substitutes
James Doyle (Home Farm) for Clifford (40 minutes), Conor McCormack (Belurgan) for Marshall (40 minutes).

Unused Substitutes
Eric Foley (Home Farm), Gary Frewen (St Michaels), Niall McArdle (Home Farm), Adrian Moyles (QPR), Kieron Thorp (Charlton Athletic).