Ireland booked their place in the Quarter Finals of the Under-17's European Championships with a brilliant victory over tournament hosts Hungary yesterday evening.
A brace of goals from Mason Melia and Luke Kehir earned a fine 4-2 victory in Felcsut, with a game of football that paid respect to the magnitude of this prestigious tournament.
HEADING TO THE QUARTER FINALS!
It ends in Hungary with Ireland advancing to the last 8 following a superb 4-2 win in Felcsút 🇮🇪🇭🇺#IRLU17 | #COYBIG | #U17EURO pic.twitter.com/UBfbqJwCit
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 23, 2023
Both sides served up an enthralling spectacle at the Pancho Aréna, with Ireland knowing that only a win would prolong their stay in the competition. The young boys in green embraced the challenge and took the lead in the fifth minute of play, with Kehir calmly placing the ball past Áron Yaakobishvili.
The hosts levelled shortly after through an unfortunate own goal when Jake Grante headed past his keeper.
The boys kept their composure and powered in front in the 24th minute. Melia rose highest to claim a corner and head home for his first goal of the tournament.
MASON MELIA! 🇮🇪
24’| Ike Orazi drills in a corner and Melia heads Ireland back into the lead at the back post (2-1)#IRLU17 | #COYBIG | #U17EURO pic.twitter.com/ViVRIQlIgq
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 23, 2023
At the half-hour mark, Ireland lead 3-1. Ike Orazi got the better of his full-back, squaring for Melia to poke it over the line for his second of the game.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, the boys made it four amid wild scenes of jubilation. The excellent Kehir found the top corner with a perfectly crisp finish.
Luke Kehir with a superb finish to score Ireland’s fourth 🙌☘️#IRLU17 | #COYBIG | #U17EURO
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 23, 2023
Hungary got their second with under 20 minutes to play through poor defending, but it proved nothing more than a consolation.
The final whistle was met with celebrations as Ireland won back-to-back games to finish second behind Poland in Group A.
Waterford FC's Romeo Akachukwu was supreme on the night and celebrated with his family in the crowd afterwards.
Proud parents content 🥲
Romeo Akachukwu getting all the hugs at the full time 💚
He was brilliant tonight 🇮🇪👏#IRLU17 | #COYBIG | #U17EURO pic.twitter.com/PLBLAQq8Cv
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 23, 2023
Ireland Men’s Under-17s Head Coach Colin O’Brien said: "It’s a great experience for the players. I thought it was a very mature performance from the team.
"Some of the performances at certain stages were excellent and we had to show resilience. The boys stayed calm under pressure when the game got away from us at times. It’s great to see that because it means they’re growing and they’re developing.
"We’re the youngest squad here. I’m so proud of them because they’re a great bunch of lads, brilliant personalities, great values and the quality is there as well."
Quarter Final Opponents Confirmed🔒
Ireland MU17s will face Spain in the last 8 of #U17EURO ⚽️
📅 | Saturday, May 27
⌚️| KO 7pm (Irish time)
📍| Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium, Budapest
📺 | Live on RTÉ#IRLU17 | #COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/hfLx6hkwfR— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 24, 2023
Spain waits in the Quarter Finals, with the game scheduled for Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium, Budapest on Saturday.
Kickoff is at 7:00 pm Irish time and will be broadcasted live on RTÉ.
“I was screaming for the ball…and just smashed it into the top corner.” 💥⚽️
Luke Kehir makes his goal sound so simple 😅
His goals helped Ireland MU17 reach the Quarter-Finals of #U17EURO #IRLU17 | #COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/4lkjdMhwjj
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 24, 2023
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