By Mark Jones
DUBLIN — The Republic of Ireland were beaten, 1-0, by Mexico in their first group game of the Under 20 World Cup soccer finals in Nigeria on Sunday. The Irish were hot on the trail of an equalizing goal when a power-failure plunged the pitch in Ibidan into darkness and when the lights eventually came back on again, Mexico held out for a win.
Ireland, who have senior internationals Robbie Keane and Damien Duff on the squad, now meet Saudi Arabia and Australia in their remaining group matches.
Meanwhile, Bray Wanderers and Finn Harps will make up a surprise FAI Cup final pairing following last weekend’s semifinals. Bray beat favorites Shelbourne 2-1, while Finn Harps booked their place in the decider by beating Galway United on a similar scoreline.