Sherlock wants Irish kids to prolong feelgood factor

Finn Sherlock of Republic of Ireland celebrates after their 9-8 penalty shoot-out victory in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Round of 32 match between Republic of Ireland and Canada at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

In a feelgood week for Irish football, U17 defender Finn Sherlock says the youngsters are buzzing ahead of today's "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" against Switzerland in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Colin O’Brien’s young Boys in Green came through the round of 32 on penalties against a tough Canada team who had taken points off of France and Uganda – both sides are also in the Last 16.

Switzerland topped Group F by beating Côte D’Ivoire and Mexico along the way but Ireland and the Swiss are no strangers to each other. The two teams faced each other back in October in an International Friendly in Pinatar, Spain, which ended all square after Ade Solanke scored a 90th-minute equaliser.

Hoffenheim defender Sherlock, from Cavan, says a buoyant camp is intent on prolonging Ireland's stay in the Qatar event. 

“It’s very positive in the camp at the minute. Everyone is buzzing. We’re enjoying the moment but it’s all focus on Switzerland now and another chance for us to do the country proud.

“We feel if we can perform we can give anybody a game. Obviously they’re very good opposition, but we have full confidence in ourselves.

“If you look at the last few days, for everybody, it has been brilliant, but if you look at how much it means to us and the staff and the fans who have come, who have been amazing, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and you have to live in the moment and enjoy it.”

Ireland have no new injury concerns with Max Kovalevskis still ruled out as he continues to follow FIFA’s return to play policy.

All eight last 16 fixtures will be played today at the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, with Brazil v France the standout. Both teams cruised through the group stage and remain among the favourites for the title.

U17 World Cup Last 16: Morocco v Mali, Brazil v France, Italy v Uzbekistan, Switzerland v Ireland, Mexico v Portugal, Uganda v Burkina Faso, North Korea v Japan, Austria vs England