IRELAND HAVE SECURED qualification into the UEFA U17 Championships Finals, following a 1-0 win over Slovakia at the Elite Qualifying Round in Cyprus today.
A Glen McAuley goal in the 66th minute sealed the win for the Irish side who are guaranteed a top-two spot with a game to spare in Group 8, following a scoreless draw between hosts Cyprus and the Faroe Islands, in the group’s other fixture today.
Ireland’s progress to the finals is further cemented by their 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands earlier in the qualifying tournament.
Colin O’Brien’s side will secure one of the best runner-up spots, regardless of the result of their final group game against Cyprus on Monday.
Speaking after the win, a delighted O’Brien said:
“We deserve this as a group. The players especially deserve this, there’s great willingness to learn and they’ve worked so hard with all of the staff to keep developing as a team.
“People in the game back home, especially involved in the youth game, know there is a lot of good work going on. There’s a lot of talent in the country and the national team doing well shows we’re doing something right with our methods.
“It must be said that there is a lot going on around the country. Coach Education has improved so much in recent years. It’s a great day for everybody who has worked with the players since their earliest days, they began the development and we’ve added our bit onto that.
“Today is about celebrating a very good achievement. They’ll never forget this St Patrick’s Day and it’s a great occasion for their families and friends.
“They’ll recover tomorrow and Sunday we’ll prepare for the Cyprus game and we want to top the group if we can.”
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Maher, O’Connor, Ledwidge, Doherty, Collins, Bolger, McAuley, Coventry, Roache, Idah, Connolly.
Results:
Wednesday, 15 March: Republic of Ireland 4-0 Faroe Islands
Friday, 17 March: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Fixtures:
Monday, 20 March: Republic of Ireland v Cyprus, Kouklia Community Stadium, Paphos (CYP), Kick-off – 1pm.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
