Gutsy Ireland U17s bow out of Euros at hands of Spain

Spain U-17s 3-0 Republic of Ireland U-17s

The Republic of Ireland fell to a quality Spain outfit in the quarter-finals of the UEFA U-17s Championship on Saturday night.

It was a harsh scoreline on a disciplined and hard-working Irish team, who had managed to contain their impressive opponents for large spells at the Hidegkuti Nandor Stadium in Budapest.

Alejandro Granados' terrific long-range effort after 22 minutes was the difference at the break, with Ireland growing in confidence on the turnaround.

However Marc Guiu punished some sloppy play in the 69th minute to put Spain 2-0 up, and Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal lashed home a third three minutes later to kill the game.

Colin O'Brien's charges needed England to beat France in the other quarter-final to qualify for a World Cup play-off against Switzerland.

However Mathis Lambourde's 89th-minute penalty earned the French a 1-0 win, thus denying Ireland what would have been a precious consolation prize.