Ireland Men’s Under-17s suffered a 2-0 defeat to Croatia in their second game of qualifiers for the European Championships in Estonia.

A brace from Jakov Dedic was enough to see the Croatians earn the win and top Group A7.  It leaves Ireland in second spot needing to beat Slovakia on Tuesday and hope the host country Poland beat Croatia for a chance of reaching the Under-17 EUROs.

Qualification to the EUROs also earns a spot at the U17 World Cup in Qatar however there are a number of best runner-up spots remaining.

Ireland were behind after nine minutes when Dedic was hand to finish against the run of play.

From there it was all Ireland. Victor Ozhianvuna, David Dunne and Hugh Martin created chances as they sought a way back in the game.

It was after this spell Croatia doubled their lead after 29 minutes making it an up-hill climb for Ireland.

In the second half, Ireland had large spells of possession finishing the game with 20 shots to Croatia’s 11 however it would be the Croatian’s who earned the win.

Ireland are back action against Slovakia in their final qualifier at 3pm (Irish time) on Tuesday.

Ireland: Brunton, Afonin (Sheridan, 81’), Burke, Quigley, Spaight, Murphy, McGrath (C), Dunne (Harpur, 46’), Ozhianvuna, Byrne (Armstrong, 88’), Martin (O’Dwyer, 46’).

Croatia: Lojen, Posavec (Trupcevic, 67’), Sabic, Zirdum, Tolic (Sabo, 85’), Milicic, Beader Trajanovksi (Modric, 76’), Radic (Beljan, 46’), Benkotic (C), Zuzic Skafar (Frigan, 67’), Dedic.

Referee: Miloš Savović (Montenegro)