Ireland to face mighty Spain in Under-17 Euro quarter-finals

Should Ireland progress, they will meet the winner of holders France and England but they will already be assured a World Cup spot.

LAST EIGHT: Ireland’s Mason Melia celebrates qualifying for the knockout phase with friends and family. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Nikola Kristic

Ireland will face Spain on Saturday in Hungary for a place in the Under-17 Euro semi-finals and the bonus prize of guaranteed participation in the World Cup.

Colin O’Brien’s Irish side secured their spot in the quarter-finals on Tuesday night by seeing out tournament hosts Hungary 4-2, a result which added to their 3-0 victory over Wales on Saturday scotched their 5-1 pasting at the hands of group victors Poland in their opener.