‘There’s a lot of joy’ – Colin O’Brien hails Ireland U17s as focus turns to World Cup showdown with Switzerland

Ireland players acknowledge their supporters after their victory in the Under-17 World Cup Round of 32 match against Canada at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

Ireland Under-17 boss Colin O’Brien has hailed his players for holding their nerve in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out as they dumped Canada out of the World Cup to book their place in the last 16.

The Young Boys in Green will now face Switzerland in Doha on Tuesday with a place in the final eight up for grabs, following this evening’s remarkable 9-8 victory in the shoot-out, as Shamrock Rovers’ Alex Noonan proved the hero by by denying Canada’s tenth attempt from Elijah Roche to win it for his side, who are appearing at their maiden finals.