Ireland become first side to qualify for UEFA under-19 European Championship

The Republic of Ireland have qualified for this summer’s under-19 European Championships with a game to spare following Saturday morning’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan.

Tom Mohan’s side join hosts Armenia in the hat for the eight-team tournament, which will take place between the 14th and 27th of July.

Goals from Tyriek Wright, Jason Knight and Jonathan Afolabi saw the Boys in Green to a comfortable victory despite Kamran Guliyev pulling one back for the Azeris.

Ireland had already seen Romania off with a 5-0 win in their opening tie on Wednesday and were confirmed group winners following hosts Russia’s scoreless draw with the Romanians.

Russia’s consecutive 0-0 draws with Azerbaijan and Romania mean they cannot overhaul Ireland’s six points total regardless of the result when the two face in Krasnodar on Tuesday afternoon.

It's the first time Ireland have reached the finals since 2011, when a Paul Doolin-managed side containing Jeff Hendrick and Matt Doherty reached the semi-finals before losing to Spain.

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