Republic of Ireland U17 qualify for European Championship

The Republic of Ireland under 17 team have qualified for the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, which takes place in England this May.

 

After winning their opening Elite Round game 3-0 against Macedonia, a 2-0 victory over Georgia on Saturday confirmed their place in the final tournament.

 

It was Ireland’s second half performance against Macedonia that set them on their way to qualification, scoring three goals in just twelve second half minutes.

 

Adam Idah’s penalty after 57 minutes was quickly followed by goals from Sean Brennan and Tyriek Wright.

 

Ireland then moved on to the game against Georgia and took the lead after just four minutes as Elguja Jangveladze put past his own ‘keeper before Sean Brennan scored his second goal in as many games after the half hour mark.

 



There is still one game left in Group 3 but Colin O’Brien’s side are guaranteed to finish as one of the eight group winners or seven best runners-up from the Elite Round.

 

They play hosts Poland - who drew 2-2 with Georgia and then beat Macedonia 3-0 in their two games so far - on Tuesday, knowing a draw will see them top Group 3.

 

This is the second finals in a row that Ireland have qualified for with Colin O’Brien expressing his delight at the achievement.

 



"It's a credit to the players and backroom staff,” said O’Brien following the victory over Georgia.  “We handled tonight's occasion very well and deserved to qualify for our second European Championship Finals in a row.

 

"The team will celebrate tonight and enjoy the achievement, because it's a massive achievement, but we'll start looking ahead to the Poland game tomorrow.”

 

Ireland had progressed to the Elite Round by topping their Qualifying Round groups, where they defeated Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

 

In their five qualifying games across the two rounds, Ireland played five and won five, scoring 17 times and conceded only once.

 

Adam Idah was the top scorer in Europe in the qualifying round, finding the net seven times – meaning his goal against Macedonia in the Elite Round has brought his tally to eight for the campaign.