Tuesday 9 August 2011

International Round-Up: 9th August

Shane Duffy played the second half for the Republic of Ireland U21 side on Tuesday night, whilst Araz Abdullayev featured for Azerbaijan U21s.

Centre-half Duffy was introduced at half-time in the Republic's friendly U21 game with Austria with the scores level at 0-0. Against the run of play, Austria took the lead on 68 minutes through a free-kick from Raphael Holfhauser.

Ireland responded well and managed to turn the game on its head thanks to a brace from Robbie Brady. The Manchester United youngster levelled the game on 72 minutes before winning - and converting - a penalty in injury time.

Earlier in the day teenager Araz Abdullayev represented Azerbaijan U21 as they won 3-1 in Estonia. Abdullayev started in Tallinn as goals from Cihan Özkara (2) and Mirhüseyn Seyidov gave the Azerbaijanis victory.

Everton have not yet signed Abdullayev - but the club do have first option on the 18-year-old providing he can obtain a work permit.

One game that didn't take place today was the Ghana v Nigeria fixture. The game was scheduled to be held at Watford's Vicarage Road, but was cancelled amid safety fears following the riots in the capital.

That meant that Victor Anichebe and Joseph Yobo were denied the chance to represent their country, although Yakubu was not in the squad.

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