'A lot of nerves gone now': O'Brien turns focus to Uzbekistan after opening World Cup victory

Colin O'Brien's side got off to the perfect start thanks to an opening-day dismissal of Panama.

Republic of Ireland head coach Colin O'Brien issues instructions to Rory Finneran during the FIFA under-17 World Cup Group J match against Panama. Pic: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

Republic of Ireland under-17s boss Colin O'Brien has switched his focus to Saturday's World Cup clash with Uzbekistan, after his side's 4-1 opening day victory over Panama in the Doha heat.

Goals from Jaden Umeh, Kian McMahon-Brown, man-of-the-match Michael Noonan and Max Kovalevskis ensured Ireland outclassed a sub-par Panamanian outfit.

Although O'Brien felt a few nerves were on show at times, the Cork native noted that he expected such, given it was day one of a World Cup. 

"Obviously, we feel delighted with the result," O'Brien said post-match. "To score four goals, four different scorers, it's a great start and three points.

"For months and months, especially since we met up, there's been a huge build-up. You have to factor that in for young players as well. I thought it was a little bit tense at times, a bit nervy.

"That's expected in the opening game. But we came up with big goals, big players in big moments. And that's what you need in a tournament.

"So I'm delighted with that. The message now would be, enjoy the victory. But look, they've got a really good mindset.

Uzbekistan edged Paraguay in the other game in the group on Wednesday, and O'Brien explained the plans for the next few days prior to their clash with the other of Wednesday's victors.

"They know they have to just go into preparation mode, recovery mode. We have two days to recover. And then on Saturday evening, we play Uzbekistan, who I just found out beat Paraguay.

"So that will be another step up in levels."

He continued: "We'll probably have to just train smart now. 

"Analysis meetings, a little bit more than maybe on the pitch. But look, the boys are used to that, and I think we'll see the players get a lot of relief now.

"And the fact they've won the game, that's a lot of nerves gone now. They know what to expect."

Another pleasing factor for O'Brien, John Cotter and the rest of the coaching staff will be that they were able to provide as many players as possible with World Cup experience at the earliest opportunity, given their four-nil lead on the hour-mark.

"We've got five (subs) on the pitch as well. So we've got 16 players to experience tonight. That's the max you can get on in a game, so really pleased with that also."