Ireland secured a valuable draw against Mexico last night to put them on the brink of reaching the Toulon Tournament semi-finals.
After hammering China 4-1 in their opener on Monday, Stephen Kenny’s side displayed a more industrious aspect to their repertoire by remaining defiant against a classy side that finished runner-up last year.
Ireland created the best chances at the Stade Parsemain, with Adam Idah squandering the best of them on 17 minutes.
Caoimhin Kelleher in the Ireland goal was relatively untroubled throughout, apart from a free-kick by Jairo Torres on the hour which smacked off the crossbar.
The draw, leaving both teams on four points, means Ireland will be guaranteed a place in next week’s last four by beating Bahrain in Sunday’s concluding pool game.
If they register a bigger win than Mexico do afterwards in their meeting with China, Ireland will progress as victors of the group.
Awaiting them in the semi-finals could be Brazil or Japan.
Ireland will be hot favourites to complete the job against a Bahrain side beaten 2-0 by Mexico and 4-1 by China so far in France.
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