Republic of Ireland head coach Colin O'Brien paid tribute to the resilience of his team after they fought back to defeat Uzbekistan and secure their place in the knockout stages of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
With six points from six in Group J, a point in the final outing against Paraguay on Tuesday (1.30pm Irish time) will ensure the Boys in Green progress as group winners in their maiden tournament at the age grade.
After falling behind in the 20th minute in Doha, goals in either half from Grady McDonnell and Michael Noonan secured the win against what many felt to be Ireland’s strongest group opponents.
Speaking after the game, O’Brien said the manner of the victory over the reigning Asian champions was very satisfying.
"I’m really, really pleased," he said. "That was a proper game of football.
"They (Uzbekistan) are a rising country in Asia, right up there with the likes of Japan and South Korea. They have quick and dangerous players and are very good on transitions.
"We had to dig in at times. We gave away a goal, but we kept our concentration, got a bit of control back. Big moments, big players, big goals."
Abubakir Shukurullaev opened the scoring, but the Boys in Green responded positively to the setback, with left-back Ade Solanke – who would finish the game with two assists – a constant attacking threat down the flank.
His cross for McDonnell to head home the equaliser was a crucial moment in the match according to O’Brien.
𝗨𝟭𝟳 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽: It's there! Ireland are level. Solanke goes down the left wing and stands up a cross. It's Grady McDonnell who gets up above the rest to head home an equaliser. IRL 1-1 UZB
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"There was no panic (after falling behind), they kept trying to execute the plan," he said. "We felt we could get down the left side all at time.
"It was a good timing of the run from Grady and it was a big goal to get us back on level terms."
With Tuesday’s opponents Paraguay and Uzbekistan both on three points, where Ireland finish in the group remains to be seen.
While O’Brien acknowledges the victory needs to be be savoured, he insists that the foot won’t be taken off the gas for the final group outing.
"It’s important to enjoy the moment. Where we finish in the group is still up for grabs. That will be the message. We won’t be getting carried away, we will just do our work for Paraguay."
