Fourth place in the Toulon Tournament for Kenny's Kids as Ireland under-21s beaten on penalties by Mexico

Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland under-21s had to settle for fourth place in the Toulon Tournament as they were edged out by Mexico in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday afternoon.

Bohemians left-back Darragh Leahy missed the decisive fifth penalty in the shoot-out, allowing Jesús Angulo to slot home the winning kick.

Connor Ronan had missed Ireland’s first penalty, but the Boys in Green drew level thanks to a powerful save from UCD’s Conor Kearns denying Eric Aguirre.

Jack Taylor, Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah all found the net with their penalties but Mexico, who had lost narrowly on penalties to Japan in their semi, proved that little bit more clinical.

There were a number of new faces on both sides from the group meeting between the sides, which finished scoreless, but the outcome was the same after 90 minutes as they remained deadlocked.

Former Dundalk manager Kenny made a host of changes to his side following the exhausting 2-0 semi-final defeat to Brazil in Aubagne on Wednesday evening.

The future Ireland gaffer guided Ireland to the final four of the prestigious youth tournament for the first time ever as they topped a group containing Mexico on goal difference unbeaten.

In came Liam Scales for his second start of the tournament in place of Dara O’Shea, who had played every minute of the tournament to that point.

Tyreke Wilson, Canice Carroll, Jamie Lennon, Jake Taylor and Aaron Drinan all came in for their first starts of the tournament, while Jason Knight returned to the side.

Carroll went close for Ireland during a relatively tense first 45 minute, and sub keeper Kearns had to be at his best to deny Alan Medina at his near post late on.

Barnet midfielder Taylor had a great chance for Ireland to clinch it in normal time but he leant back and sent his shot flying over the crossbar.

In the final, Japan fell just short of successive shoot-out victories as they were edged out 5-4 on penalties by Brazil after Reo Hatute missed the final penalty.

Striker Antony put Brazil ahead early on but Koki Agawa levelled just before the break with what was the first, and only, goal Brazil would concede in the entire tournament.

The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and Brazil were flawless from the spot with Douglas Luiz of Manchester City, who missed from the spot against Ireland, among the scorers.

It looked like sudden death was on the cards when Hatate, the hero of the semi-final shoot-out win over Mexico, stepped up but to his dismay his spot-kick saved by Ivan.