Mason Melia says his goal in the all-important win over Hungary in the UEFA European Under-17 Championships is the best feeling he's ever had.
Colin O’Brien’s side got the win they needed against hosts Hungary yesterday and will now take their place in the last eight of the competition on Saturday, which will be live on RTÉ.
In a see-saw encounter, the Boys in Green took an early lead before the hosts equalised to the delight of the majority in attendance at the Pancho Arena in Felscut.
By the hour mark however, Ireland worked themselves into a 4-1 lead, before the Hungarians pulled one back to get the crowd back onside with the threat of an unlikely comeback. That never materialised, Ireland keeping their composure to book a quarter-final spot.
"I thought it was a very mature performance again," O’Brien said afterwards.
"We had to show resilience at certain periods, but the boys remained calm under pressure when the game got away from us at times.
"It means they are growing and developing."
The maturity mentioned is all the more impressive given Ireland’s squad is the youngest at the championships.
One of those tyros is Mason Meila, part of the Republic of Ireland U-16 squad that claimed the Victory Shield back in November, who is continuing his sharp upward trajectory.
Earlier this month, the 15-year-old became St Patrick’s Athletic’s youngest ever debutant, and his brace yesterday – club-mate Luke Kehir also bagged two goals – laid the foundations for victory.
His first, to restore the Irish lead in the 24th minute, was particularly sweet, rising to meet Ike Orazi’s corner for his first goal of the tournament.
"I’m buzzing, just so happy for the lads," he said.
"I was just looking for my goals, and I knew they were there. As soon as I got the first one, it was the best feeling I’ve ever felt, when the second went in, it was just amazing."
Melia says the players were devastated by their opening game defeat to eventual pool winners Poland, but the manner in which they have responded, hitting seven goals in seeing off Wales and Hungary, has pleased the O'Brien.
"They backed up the second performance with Wales with another terrific performance," the manager said
"We knew what to do at certain parts of the game, and I’m delighted with that."
If you look at our metrics compared to every other country in developing football, we shouldn't be here
The conclusion of Group B today will determine Ireland’s opponent on Saturday, with top-of-the-table Spain looking most likely to finish at the head of the standings.
Regardless of who they face next, O’Brien says his team are punching well above their weight.
"I’m not really bothered who we play. If it is Spain, brilliant for the boys to experience that.
"We are in the last eight in Europe now. If you look at our metrics compared to every other country in developing football, we shouldn’t be here.
"There is a lot of knowledge in our country, and knowledge is power."
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Watch the UEFA Under-17 European Championships with RTÉ Sport
