‘It’s another chance to do the country proud’ – Sherlock focused for U-17 World Cup tie against Switzerland
After Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men did the impossible last Sunday in Budapest to keep their World Cup dream alive, Colin O’Brien’s young guns will be looking for a big victory of their own as they take on Switzerland for a place in the U-17 World Cup quarter-finals.
Appearing at their first World Cup at this age level, Ireland breezed through their group campaign as seven points clinched top spot and set up a Round of 32 showdown with Canada. Last Friday, the Young Boys in Green held their nerve and emerged victorious from a penalty shoot-out (winning 9-8), after a late leveller cancelled out Michael Noonan’s third goal of the tournament.
Not even the ridiculous antics and mind games by Canadian goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom could stop Ireland, as Shamrock Rovers’ Alex Noonan made himself the hero with the winning save. With it being Canada’s ninth appearance at the finals compared to Ireland’s first, O’Brien’s men stood up to the challenge to earn the biggest night of their careers so far.
But with the Swiss up next on Tuesday afternoon in Doha, it could be about to get a whole lot better. That said, the main message from the Irish camp is to enjoy the Qatar experience, but not too much.
“We’re trying not to get too high with the highs, but you do have to enjoy the moment,” said U-17 defender Finn Sherlock, who plays his club football with Hoffenheim.
“It was a brilliant way to win the game but we’re just focusing on Switzerland now and it’s another chance to do the country proud. We’ll try not to get too carried away and just stay grounded.”
2025 marks Switzerland’s second appearance at the World Cup finals, having not qualified since they won the competition back in 2009, with a young Granit Xhaka. With the majority of their squad being home-based, Luigi Pisino’s side also topped their group by beating Ivory Coast and Mexico, while they drew with South Korea in between. Ireland are also familiar with the Swiss, having drawn 1-1 in a friendly as Ade Solanke netted a 90th-minute equaliser.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so you just have to live in the moment and enjoy it. It’s been unbelievable,” added Sherlock, with today’s winner progressing to a last eight spot against either Mexico or Portugal.
“We have full confidence that we can beat anyone here. We can go all the way, there’s nothing stopping us.” Ireland have no fresh injury concerns with Max Kovalevskis still ruled out.
