Late Portugal goal glut shatters Ireland U19s' Euro dreams

Republic of Ireland U19s 1-4 Portugal U19s

The Republic of Ireland have been eliminated from the UEFA Under-19 European Championship Elite Phase after a 4-1 defeat to Portugal in St George's Park, England.

The result doesn't paint the full picture, with Ireland leading Portugal until the 78th minute thanks to Johnny Kenny's first-half strike. But their hard work was undone by four late goals, including a brace from second-half substitute Youssef Chermiti.

Cian Hayes caused a lot of problems for the Portuguese side down the right side, as Ireland got off to a positive start.

Tom Mohan's team was pressing hard and forcing Portugal to play far deeper in their own half.

After some good initial movement down the left, Andy Moran had a shot that rebounded off the crossbar and was cleared off the line, only for the ball to fall to Kenny, who headed home to give Ireland the lead.

Dan Rose was forced to make a fine save from Joo Neves, who had the first glimpse on goal for the Portuguese.

Vasco Sousa and Evan Caffrey had chances as both teams pushed, but neither could find the target.

In the second half, Portugal continued to press for an equaliser, with António Silva and Joelson edging closer.

Chermiti would score Portugal's equaliser, breaking the Irish resistance and bringing the match level.

Silva grabbed a second Portuguese goal in the dying minutes of the game before Joelson and Chermiti added two more in time added.

Portugal: Andre Gomes (GK), João Tomé, Chico Lamba, António Silva, Flávio Nazinho (Diogo Travassos 46), Martim Neto (Youssef Chermiti 46), Nuno Félix, João Neves (Pedro Santos 71), Miguel Falé, Diego Moreira (Joelson 59), Vasco Sousa (Matchói Djaló 65).

Republic of Ireland: Daniel Rose (GK), James Abankwah, Mohammed