Ireland fail to capitalise on early sparkle against Swiss

Switzerland Under-21s 1 Republic of Ireland Under-21s 0

The Republic of Ireland’s U-21s miserable European Championship qualifying campaign continued with a defeat that saw Switzerland book their place in the play-offs.

Ireland were already out of contention for a spot in the finals in Denmark next summer and they were left rooted to the foot of Group Two by Fabian Frei’s 48th-minute goal.

The visitors began the game brightly with Anthony Stokes and Alan Judge both testing goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but their early promise fizzled out.