Ireland players, from left, Michael Noonan, Ramon Martos and Rory Finneran celebrate after the Under-17 World Cup Group J win over Uzbekistan at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile
Ireland have progressed to the knockout stages of the U-17 World Cup for the first time in their history after coming from behind to defeat Asian champions Uzbekistan to make it two wins from two in their group.
Rovers’ rising star Michael Noonan was the hero with a bullet header 15 minutes from time, after Grady McDonnell’s first-half goal cancelled out Abubakir Shukurullaev’s 20th-minute opener in Qatar, with Lorient’s Ade Solanke assisting both Irish goals.