Ireland Under 21’s were comfortable in victory over San Marino tonight in Euro 2025 qualifying at Turners Cross.

Rocco Vata opened the scoring early on, with the Celtic man also grabbing the second just before the break. A freak goal from Sinclair Armstrong in the second half put any unease to rest, in a game that played out like a training session at some points. 

After a dramatic victory over Turkey on Friday night, victory tonight made it a perfect International break for Jim Crawford. 

It took just seven minutes for the Irish breakthrough, Armstrong, returning to the side after making his senior debut for Ireland against the Netherlands on Sunday night, smashed across the box, finding u21 debutant Rocco Vata who smashed in from close range. 

Sinclair Amstrong had a number of opportunities to double his sides lead but could not find the target from close range, but continued to prove a nightmare for the San Marino defence as the time ticked on. 

The tempo from the home side dropped off as we ticked towards the break, and San Marino almost got in at the break only one behind, but up stepped Rocco Vata in added time. After a shot corner was worked his way, the Celtic man smashed near post through keeper Amici to make it 2-0 at the break. 

Sinclair Armstrong finally got on the scoresheet at the three quarter mark of the tie, when a mixup in the San Marino defence saw Matteoni try clear the ball unaware his netminder was running out to claim the ball, Armstrong ran in and the ball hit the Irish striker and went into the net, one of the easiest goals he will ever score. 

Jim Crawford used the comfortable advantage to run the bench, bringing on Emakhu, Gilsenan, Carty, McJannet and Phillips for some game time in the final quarter. 

All in all a positive International break for the U21’s taking the maximum haul from their homestand, with preparations now beginning for a trip to Latvia in October underway.