Ireland Men’s Under-17s progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup after a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in Qatar.

A Michael Noonan header 15 minutes from time would prove to be the winner in a pulsating encounter that saw the Asian Cup Champions lead take the lead before Grady McDonnell found an equaliser just before the half-hour mark.

Having dispatched Panama 4-1 in their opening game, Ireland knew a second win of the group stage would be enough to see them through to the Round of 32.

Prior to the game Head Coach Colin O’Brien had warned of Uzbekistan’s quality and in the 15^th minute they almost were ahead. Sayfiddin Sodikov got the better of a dual with Ade Solanke but his attempt drew a superb save from Alex Noonan who made a great save to deny Uzbekistan.

Their goal would come five minutes later when Abubakir Shukurullaev capitalised on the rebound of Noonan’s save to steer home for 1-0.

Ireland responded well, Oisin McDonagh and Jaden Umeh both header just wide of the both but it would be McDonnell’s header that would bring results.

Solanke produced a fine cross and McDonnell obliged by heading home past Nematulloh Rustamjonov.

In the second half Kian McMahon-Brown would come on for goalscorer McDonnell and the Burnley midfielder forced Rustamjonov into a save after he smart turn freed him up for a curling effort that was saved well.

The pressure was mounting from Ireland and in the 75^th minute the Uzbekistan resistant would break. Umeh laid a ball on for Solanke to run onto, the Lorient full back to run on to and cross again and Noonan produced a powerful header to give Ireland leave and notch his second goal of the tournament.

That goal would prove to be the winner and send Ireland through to the knockout stages later this week. Next for O’Brien’s team is Paraguay on Tuesday with Ireland looking to top the group.

Ireland: A. Noonan, Butler, McDonagh, Leonard, Solanke, Finneran, McDonnell (McMahon-Brown, 54), Martos, Kovalevskis (Ozhianvuna, 46’), Umeh, M.Noonan.

Uzbekistan: Rustamjonov, Khakimov, Bakhodirkhonov, Musakhanov, Khasanov (Saidov, 74’), Khabibullaev (Rustamov, 74’), Sodikov, Anvarov, Abdumuminov (Aliev, 62’), Shukurullaev, Erimbetov, (Muradov. 84’)

Referee: Abdou Mefire (Cameroon)