Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-17s have reached the last 16 of the Under-17s World Cup following a dramatic 9-8 win over Canada on penalties.

Alex Noonan would prove to be the hero having saved two penalties in the shootout. Michael Noonan had given Ireland the lead after 65 minutes when he broke through on goal and finished past Jonathan Ransom.

But Canada responded through their captain Sergei Kozlovskiy  five minutes from time when his well hit strike took a deflection and found the Ireland corner.

That goal sent the game to penalties and after both team successful converted eight penalty Alex Noonan stopped Elijah Roche’s penalty to set up a Last 16 clash with Switzerland.

In a game of few chances Ireland created the better of the exchanges. Michael Noonan saw a free-kick just go narrowly past the post and then in the 14^th minute Jaden Umeh put him through on goal but Ransom smothered the opportunity.

In the second half Ireland came out much Brighter, Ransom did well to save with his feet from a blistering Ramon Martos shot.

He was also equal to a Ryan Butler header as Ireland went on the hunt of breakthrough.

That would come mid-way in the second half. A long ball by Vinnie Leonard caught out Josh Nteziryayo and as he attempted to deal with it Michael Noonan nicked ahead of the defender before applying the finish.

Umeh almost added a second when he was found free inside the box but his effort again was stopped by Ransom.

Canada still carried a threat and Alex Noonan produced a stunning save from Sahil Deo after the full back caught his effort sweetly but the goalkeeper showed an incredible reach to deny.

But shortly after that save Canada drew level. A long throw-in wasn’t dealt with and it came out to Kozlovskiy whose drive at goal took a slight deflection but went beyond Noonan for 1-1.

The game would end up all square meaning it went to penalties.

Michael Noonan was successful with his first kick, but Canada’s first spot kick was saved by Alex Noonan. There after all of Ireland’s penalties were successful until Oisin McDonagh saw his kick saved. It would go to sudden death and Ryan Butler would score Ireland’s 9^th successful penalty meaning Roche had to score but he couldn’t find a way past the Irish keeper as Colin O’Brien’s team advanced to the next round on Tuesday against Switzerland.

Ireland: A. Noonan, Butler, McDonagh, Leonard, Solanke (Sherlock, 82’), Finneran (C), Martos (McMahon-Brown, 71’), McDonnell, Umeh, Ozhianvuna, M.Noonan.

Canada: Ransom, Deo, Nteziryayo, Chukwu (C) (Kozlovskiy, 76’), Roche, Judelson, Khan, Fortier (Sadek, 76’), Jimoh (Selemani, 62’), Evans (Aiyenero, 62’), Parker.
 

Republic of Ireland FIFA Under-17 World Cup Fixtures/Schedule/ Results

Wednesday, November 5th | Panama 1-4 Ireland

Saturday, November 8th | Ireland 2-1 Uzbekistan

Tuesday, November 11th | Ireland 0-0 Paraguay

Friday, November 14th | Ireland 1-1 Canada (Ireland win 9-8 on penalties)

Tuesday, November 18th | Round of 16

Friday, November 21st | Quarter Final

Monday, November 24th | Semi Final

Thursday, November 27th | Final 

*Kick-offs are Irish time.