The Republic of Ireland U17 European Championship campaign came to an end at the Quarter-Final stage this evening, as they fell to Spain in a 3-0 defeat.

Ireland U17s took on nine-time winners Spain in the quarterfinals of the European Championships in Hungary this evening.

The Boys in Green bounced back from their 5-1 opening game battering by Poland to record a 3-0 win over Wales, and a 4-2 defeat of the hosts Hungary.

St Patrick’s Athletic striker Mason Melia impressed in the last game against the Hungarians, scoring twice, while Ike Orazi and Luke Kehir also scored twice in the tournament heading into this game.

Earlier in the day Poland beat Serbia 3-2 to reach the semi-final, while Germany needed penalties to get past Switzerland. The Spanish will go on to face France in the second semi-final.

Meanwhile, in the group stage, Spain came from behind to beat Italy 2-1, took care of business against Slovenia in the second game by winning 3-1, and then drew 1-1 with Serbia when they were already guaranteed qualification into the knockout rounds.

Spain made five changes from the draw with the Serbs in the final group stage game, with Daniel Munoz, Izan Merino, Alejandro Granados, Juan Hernandez, and Javier Fernandez all returning to the starting line-up.

Ireland named an unchanged side from the win over Hungary. Colin O’Brien’s boys were forced onto the back foot from the kick-off, Spain of course dominating possession as they do at all age groups. Retreating to the edge of their own box, Ireland soaked up the pressure while Spain attempted to unlock the Irish defence.

Keeper Jason Healy was kept busy in the first 20 minutes, gathering a number of half chances and loose balls in the box.

Midway through the first half though Alejandro Granados curled in an exquisite long-range effort into the top corner past the stranded Jason Healy. A definite contender for goal of the tournament by the young Orlando City midfielder.

Ireland began to foray forward with Naj Razi leading the way, the Shamrock Rovers attacker went on a mazy run, weaving past a couple of Spanish tackles before overrunning the ball inside the box.
The Young Boys in Green did well to get into the break just one goal behind.

Ireland grew into the game in the second half, pushing further up the field, and had some decent possession in the Spanish half.

La Furia Rojas made the first substitution of the match bringing on Hector Fort for Izan Merino in the 62nd minute.

Just a few minutes later, a sloppy turnover just outside the Irish box gave Javier Fernandez the opportunity to pick out Marc Guiu and the Barcelona youngster scored his fourth goal of the competition.
Soon after that Lamine Yamal cut inside and fired a left-footed shot past the outstretched Healy and into the net to make it 3-0 to Spain and ended any possibility of an Ireland comeback.

Naj Razi and Ike Orazi were replaced by Matthew Moore and Nickson Okosun with around a quarter of an hour to go. While Spain took off top goal scorer Guiu and brought on Jorge Rajado in his place.

Ireland tried in vain to get a consolation goal but were unable to create any clear-cut chances and the game ended with a comprehensive win for Spain.

Matthew Murray and Ade Solanke replaced Mason Melia and Cory O’Sullivan respectively in the last talking points from an Irish point of view.

In the last quarter final France beat England 1-0, meaning Ireland missed out on a playoff for the last UEFA qualification spot for the Under 17 World Cup.