Ireland's U17s bounce back in style to overwhelm Wales

Republic of Ireland U17s 3-0 Wales

The Republic of Ireland men's Under-17s bounced back from an opening group game defeat to register a hugely impressive 3-0 win against Wales in their second group game of the UEFA European Championships in Budapest.

Goals from Shamrock Rovers duo Naj Razi and Ike Orazi - his second in successive games - had Ireland 2-0 up at the break with man-of-the-match Romeo Akachukwu rounding off the scoring with a spectacular third to earn three points having lost 5-1 to Poland on Wednesday.

It was a case of win or bust for both sides knowing a negative result would potentially leave qualification from Group A out of reach, but the high stakes on offer didn’t seem to faze either side in a high quality encounter in the hot and humid conditions of the Panchu Arena.

Ireland will next face hosts Hungary on Tuesday (kick-off 7pm, live on the RTÉ News Channel and the RTÉ Player) in their to reach the quarter-finals.

It was the Welsh who tried to land the first blow, coming flying out of the traps. Powerful front man Iwan Morgan's curled effort was brilliantly turned onto the post by Jason Healy after just 30-seconds, serving as an early wake-up call for Colin O'Brien's side.

But Ireland, having made just the one change to the side with Waterford's commanding midfielder Akachukwu coming in for Stanley Ashbee - meaning skipper Freddie Turley dropped back into the back four - settled thereafter. The lively and creative front man Naj Razi proved a constant threat throughout and responded with a powerful shot having cut inside from the left, bravely blocked.

Minutes later Turley, operating in almost a quarterback role from defence, was invited to step out from the back and hit a powerful low drive very well saved