Ireland beat hosts Belgium but miss out on under-19 European Championships berth

The Republic of Ireland under-19s suffered European Championships heartache on Tuesday despite an impressive win over hosts Belgium in Beveren.

Tom Mohan's side went into action knowing they needed to better Sweden's result against Italy to qualify for the finals, having slumped to a 3-0 defeat to the Swedes on Saturday.

Ireland had beaten Italy in their opening Group 7 fixture thanks to Conor Levingston's first-half goal.

And, for 70 minutes, they appeared to be on track to do exactly that as an own goal by Belgium captain Wout Faes had Ireland on track for top spot in their Elite Qualifying Round group.

Ireland held on to secure a 1-0 win, but it was to prove insufficient as substitute Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal of the game to give the Swedes the win in Hamme.

The result meant Sweden and Ireland both finished on six points at the top of Group 7, with the Swedes advancing on account of their head-to-head record.

Shamrock Rovers winger Trevor Clarke played the full 90 minutes in all three group games for Mohan's side.

“We were outstanding to a man,” Mohan told the FAI's website after the final whistle.

“The lads did Irish football proud tonight. To perform so well against a top nation like Belgium who were very good says everything about them.”

“It’s very disappointing but we have to live with it and move on. These boys are ambitious and know they did enough to reach the finals.

“To beat Italy and Belgium was so good but maybe we were a bit tired in the second game and paid the price.

“I couldn’t have asked more of the players and the staff. The lads showed character and hard work.

“We could only carry out our side of the bargain and hope that Italy did us a favour against Sweden.

“If you look at Connor Ronan, Steven Kinsella and Jake Doyle-Hayes also missing it's been an incredible effort from our lads.

“A lot of these players have big futures in the game. Three of our back four plus Jayson Molumby in midfield are eligible again next season.

“I don’t think anybody could argue but that the future is bright.”