Ireland head home proud

Despite a 3-1 loss to Switzerland in their last-16 tie, Colin O’Brien’s Republic of Ireland's Under-17 team enjoyed a fantastic World Cup in Qatar.

On Tuesday, they were second best against a strong Swiss team which boasted some fine attackers but their time in Doha was a thrilling success overall. After topping their group, they kept their cool to knock out a good Canada side after a dramatic penalty shootout victory in the round of 32. It was the Republic of Ireland’s first appearance at this level.

In hot conditions on Tuesday, after a very even first half which Ireland shaded, Switzerland took over in the second half with the Boys in Green looking tired after limited previous rotation.

Goals from a deflected shot from Adrien Llukes and Sandro Wyss put the Swiss in control after a period in which they created a number of good chances.

Colin O’Brien made some substitutions and Ireland found a way back into the game after Vinnie Leonard finished off a lengthy goalmouth scramble to give Ireland hope after 82 minutes, but that didn’t last long.

After a counter attack, Mladen Mijajlovic scored with another deflected shot to take the game away.

Corkman and Befica FC player Jaden Umeh almost scored with one great effort that was deflected narrowly wide and really came into the game in the second half. Cork City FC’s forward Brody Lee came on too.

Switzerland go on to face Portugal in the quarter-finals with Ireland exiting at the same stage as England, France and Brazil. Germany and Argentina didn’t make it this far.

It’s an excellent Irish team and they can be very proud of a great tournament.