Tom Mohan's team were determined to give it everything that they had against the current holders of the tournament and they did just that. However, Portugal proved to be too strong.

A hat-trick from Goncalo Ramos showcased the deadly side of a Portuguese side made up of quick, technical players and they dominated in key areas despite Ireland's hard graft.

There wasn't much between the teams in the early exchanges until Vitor Ferreira was gifted the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot just past the half hour mark - he did not refuse it.

Ireland attempted to hit back and they almost did just that. Firstly, midfielder Barry Coffey had an effort somehow cleared off the goal line before Mark McGuinness smashed a shot against the crossbar.

Those missed chances hurt Mohan's side as they conceded again, just before the half-time whistle, when Ramos found himself free at the back post to head in.

An injury to Ciaran Brennan forced a slight tactical shift in the second half and Ireland continued to play some good football. But Portugal killed them off with Ramos netting twice to send his team back to the final.

Portugal: Celton Biai; Costinha, Loureiro (Levi Faustino 80), Cardoso, Tavares; Vitor Ferreira (Costa 69), Diogo Capitao, Fabio Vieira; João Mário (Gouveia 69), Ramos, Felix Correia.

Republic of Ireland: Maher; Lyons, McEntee, McGuinness, Ledwidge; Hodge (Omobamidele 81), Coffey (Grant 67); Brennan (Ebosele 42), Kavanagh (James 46), Everitt (Wright 81); Reghba.

Referee: Kristo Tohver (Estonia).